The Weasel Family — Polecat Group. 193 



Another species of the Zorilla is the Itonyx-funata, 

 which is found in Egypt, and ranges across the Isthmus 

 of Suez into Asia Minor. This animal frequents the rocky 

 districts, and is purely nocturnal; it is not able to climb 

 like the Martens and Polecats, and only takes to the 

 water when compelled to do so. It has an odor as in- 

 tolerable as that of the Skunk, but it is found in many of 

 the homes of the Dutch Boers in South Africa, where it 

 is kept to destroy vermin. 



The South African Weasel (Poeeilogali-albinucha), 

 with one exception the only Weasel found in Africa south 

 of thd Sahara, is almost exactly like the Cape Polecat 

 in coloration and marking. It is placed in a distinct 

 genus because it has two pairs of premolar teeth in each 

 jaw, while generally there is only a single pair in the 

 lower jaw of the Polecats. 



THE BADGERS. 



The Badger, which Linnaeus placed with the Bears, 

 but which is now conceded to belong to the Weasel fam- 

 ily, is found throughout Europe, Asia, British North 

 America, and the central and western portion of the 

 United States; the best species coming from the western 

 continent. In some places it is called the Javanese Skunk, 

 because of its offensive odor. The Badger is of a shy 

 and retiring disposition, never courting danger, but when 

 brought to bay will put up a fierce and stubborn fight. 

 It is nocturnal, lives in burrows of its own construction, 

 and in the colder regions hibernates during the winter. 

 It is partial to bird's eggs and bee's nests with their 

 honey and larvae, but its principal food consists of fowl 

 and the various species of small rodents. Badgers are 

 conspicuously distinguished by a pouch beneath the tail, 

 from which a greasy, fetid secretion exudes. 



This animal measures about two feet in length, ex- 

 clusive of the six inch tail. It stands low on its legs, is 

 clumsy in its movements, has a long snout, and long claws 

 peculiarly adapted for digging. The American Badger 

 (Taxidea-americana) has a light yellowish under fur. 



