324 



MAMMALS 



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

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



The flesh-eating nianuiials arc 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 tlie simide appellation of 

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



Fig. 212. — iAon in tlic net '>\' spriuiiiu!::. Ro(lra\"\-ii, Idv permission, from 

 an illustration by Kuii^lit in McClitrc^s i\[ aijuziiw, 11100. 



green corn to oysters. The ])ody is clothed with thick gray 

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

 drical, and ringed with gray and dark ))i()\vn. 



The black bear, which is found o\'er the greater part of 

 the riiite(l States, is known as a " plantigrade " animal 

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

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

 acorns, .'iiid nuts as well as of laiiilis, pigs, and calves. 

 Cjlencrally s[)caking, it hibernates tluring tiic winter. 



