324 



MAMMALS 



called, carnivorous. The teeth are fitted for cutting or tear- 

 ing rather than for grinding, and the stomach is single. 



The flesli-eating mammals are represented by the rac- 

 coon, bear, lion, tiger, dog, cat, wolf, fur seals, etc. 



The raccoon is widely distributed over the United States 

 and is commonly known by the simple appellation of 

 "coon" (Fig. 211). It will eat almost anything from 



Fig. 212. — Lion in tlie act of Sjiringing. Redra\\'n, by permission, from 

 an illustration b}- Knigiit in McClurcs Mngazinr, 1900. 



green corn to oysters. The body is clothed with thick gray 

 fur mixed with black, and the tail is long, large, and cylin- 

 drical, and ringed with gray and dark brown. 



The black bear, which is found over the greater part of 

 the United States, is known as a " plantigrade " animal 

 because it walks on the whole sole of its foot. Like the 

 coon, it is somewhat of a vegetarian and is fond of berries, 

 acorns, and nuts as well as of lambs, jjigs, and calves. 

 Generally speaking, it hibernates during the winter. 



