MAMMALIA. 



347 



mon skunk is almost entirely nocturnal, feeding upon mice, 

 insects, and various kinds of food. They hibernate in 

 midwinter. 



Otters. The otter (Lutra) (Fig. 371) has representa 

 tives in nearly every part of the globe. The North Amer 

 ican species is generally found upon the banks of streams ; 

 in which its burrow or nest is built. The sea-otter (Enhy- 

 dra] (Fig. 369) is twice as large as the above, attaining a 



FIG. 369. Sea-otter (Enhydra marina}, showing the front paws and the 

 hind webbed feet. 



weight of eighty pounds, and is found on the Pacific coast 

 of America and Asia. Its habits are almost identical with 

 those of the seal. In warm weather they proceed up the 

 rivers, returning to the sea in winter, passing nearly their 

 entire time in the water, eating and even rearing and 

 nursing their young in the kelp-beds. The front feet are 

 short with small claws, the hind ones being perfect swim- 

 ming-flippers with long toes and stout claws. Their teei:h 

 are rounded and adapted for crushing crustaceans, mol- 

 lusks, or fish.* Their fur is an extremely rich brown. 



* The sea-otters are remarkable for their playfulness. When ap- 

 proached, they place one paw over the eyes, as if shielding them from 



