186 FLESH-EATERS OF THE LAND 



coating of hair, so that it can traverse the ice without 

 slipping, while its footsteps are absolutely noiseless. 



The Polar Bear has a very remarkable way of attacking 

 the walrus. Now, it must be remembered that the walrus 

 is nearly equal in bulk to a small elephant, weighing some- 

 thing in the neighbourhood of a ton, and is, moreover, 

 armed with a pair of terrible tusks. The usual mode of 

 attack is for the Bear to creep up behind a sleeping walrus, 

 and then to spring on its shoulders, maintain its hold with 

 one paw, and with the other to deal such terrific blows at 

 the marine mammal's head that the skull is fractured before 

 the animal can gain the water. Should the prey succeed in 



SKELETON OF THE POLAR BEAR. 

 (About one-eighteenth natural size.) 



reaching water, the walrus has the best of the battle, as it 

 dives to depths which are too great for the endurance of 

 the Bear, and thus rids itself of its foe. 



In stalking seals, or even man, the huge carnivore 

 exhibits the greatest cunning, taking care to hide its black 

 muzzle, which is the only part of its body likely to show 

 against its frozen surroundings. In capturing seals it is 

 remarkably adept, diving under a floe and appearing at the 

 hole, which is the only retreat open to the easily alarmed 

 prey. 



The Polar Bear grows to an immense size, sometimes 

 attaining a length of thirteen feet. One, which measured 



