MAMMALIA 



363 



The coyote (C. latrans) (Fig. 292)of the western plains is one-third smaller 

 than the gray wolf, and carries the tail low, as befits a coward, while that of 

 the wolf points above the horizon. The cry is a dog-like yelp, half howl, 

 half bark. They feed upon prairie-dogs, ground squirrels, sage grouse, and 

 rabbits, and, probably, sheep and pigs. They are not dangerous to man. 

 The five to seven puppies are born in deep holes or washouts in the banks of 

 streams in May. 



The cat family (Fe'lidce) includes lions, tigers, cats, and the hunting leop- 

 ards. The distribution is worldwide, with the exception of Australia and a 

 good deal of the Australian region. In genus Felis the claws are retractile. 



The lion (F. leo) differs from all others by the possession of a mane by 

 the adult male. The largest lions come from south Africa. The adult is 

 uniform pale tawnish or yellowish gray. The young is spotted. It inhab- 

 its Africa, India, parts of western Asia, and formerly ranged into Europe. 



Fig. 292.— Coyote. (Circular 63, Biologic Survey, U. S. D. A., April, 1908.) 



It is mainly nocturnal in its habits, though it often feeds in daytimeor at 

 dusk, as the animals go to the spring for water. It feeds on anything it 

 can capture, or even on carrion. The male may hunt alone, while his mate 

 cares for the two to five whelps or cubs in some dense cover, bringing the 

 food to his mate. It is said, however, that the males eat at the first table, 

 leaving the rest of the family to take what is left. When the cubs are old 

 enough the mother joins in the search for prey, which is usually obtained 

 by "stalking," that is, by stealthily creeping up through the tall grass and 

 leaping upon it, striking a fell blow, and clutching.it with claws and teeth. 

 Failing in this, they sometimes give chase. Lions cannot climb trees. 

 "The choice of mate seems to lie with the female," says Ingersoll, "and 

 the continuance of the union appears to depend on the power of the lion to 

 hold his fickle spouse to her allegiance." She tries to flirt with every 

 new male, but her mate bounds between her and the intruder and then 



