THE WOLVERENE. 209 



our own observation, that the animal treads upon its hind-feet in the 

 manner of the dog, that the impression of the tarsus or heel can only 

 be observed in deep snow, and that in its ordinary walk on the ground 

 the heel seldom touches the earth. We made no note in regard to the 

 living Wolverene we saw in Europe, but are under an impression that 

 its method of walking was similar to that stated above. There is 

 another peculiarity in the tracks of the animal : in walking, the feet do 

 not cross or approach each other in the manner of the feet of a fox or 

 wolf, but make a double track in the snow, similar in this respect, to 

 that of the skunk. 



There was a large nest of dried leaves in the cavern, which had evi- 

 dently been a place of resort for the Wolverene we have been speaking 

 of, during the whole winter, as its tracks from every direction led to 

 the spot. It had laid up no winter store, and evidently depended on 

 its nightly excursions for a supply of food. It had however fared well, 

 for it was very fat. 



It has been asserted that the Wolverene is a great destroyer of beavers, 

 but we are inclined to think that this can scarcely be the case, unless it 

 be in summer, when the beaver is often found some distance from the 

 water. In such cases we presume that the Wolverene, although not 

 swift of foot, could easily overtake that aquatic animal. But, should he 

 in winter attempt to break open the frozen mud-walls of the beaver-huts, 

 which would be a very difficult task, this w^ould only have the effect of 

 driving the occupants into their natural element, the water, where their 

 hungry pursuer could not follow them. The statement of his expert- 

 ness in swinmiing, diving, and catching fish, we believe to be apocry- 

 phal. 



We are inclined to adopt the views of Richardson in regard to the 

 Wolverene, that it feeds chiefly on the carcasses of beasts that have 

 been killed by accident. " It also devours meadow-mice, marmots, and 

 other rodentia, and occasionally destroys disabled quadrupeds of a larger 

 size." 



That it seizes on deer or large game by pouncing on them is incredible ; 

 it neither possesses the agility nor the strength to accomplish this feat. 

 This habit has also been ascribed to the Canada lynx as well as to the 

 Bay Ij-nx ; we do not think it applies to either. That the Wolverene oc- 

 casionally captures the grouse that have plunged into the fresh snow as 

 a protection from the cold is probable. 



Richardson observes that he saw one chasing an American hare, which 

 was at the same time harassed by a snowy owl. The speed of the hare 

 however is such that it has not much to fear from the persevering but 



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