ANIMALS OF ONTARIO. 93 



GENUS ALCES. 



(35) Alces americanus. 



(Moose, True Elk.) 



Common in the wilds of Northern Ontario. The most splendid repre- 

 sentative of wild animal life of the American continent. 



GENUS RANGIFER. 



(36) Rangifer caribou. 



(Woodland Caribou, American Reindeer.) 



This species is very abundant in extreme northern Ontario, occasion- 

 ally coming south in winter as far as Lake Superior. On the treeless 

 wastes of the Arctic regions, a sub-species, R. c. arcticus, the Barren- 

 ground Caribou, is found. 



Order FER^. (The Flesh-eaters, or Carnivora.) 



Canine teeth distinct, conical ; molars more or less adapted for cut- 

 ting ; toes provided with claws ; skin covered with hair or fur ; alimentary 

 canal short. 



FAMILY PROCYONID/E. (THE RACCOONS.) 



- Plantigrade animals of moderate size, with the body comparatively 

 slender and the tail well developed. Snout more or less elongated. 



GENUS PROCYON. 



(37) Procyon lotor. 



(Common Raccoon.) 



Common and generally distributed where sufficient bush is left to 

 afford shelter for it. 



FAMILY URSID./E. (THE BEARS.) 



Plantigrade animals having the body thick and clumsy. Tail rudi- 

 mentary. Teeth broad and tuberculated, according with an omnivorous 

 diet. 



GENUS URSUS. 



(38) Ursus americanus. 



(Black Bear, Brown Bear, Cinnamon Bear.) 



Very variable in colour; there is, however, but one species found in 

 this Province south of the Arctic regions. Formerly abundant and gener- 

 ally distributed, but now restricted to the unsettled districts. 



FAMILY MUSTELID^E. (THE WEASELS.) 



Small, or medium-sized animals, some of which are strictly carniv- 

 orous, while others are omnivorous. Most species provided with glands 

 which secrete a fetid liquid. In this family are many of the most valuable 

 fur-bearing animals. 



