344 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 
Europe, and the sea-elephant (Morunga), of Antarctic 
waters, are others of the family. ‘hen follows the walrus 
( Trichechide) (Fig. 368). 
Eared Seals (Osariidz).—The sea-lion (Otaria) (Fig. 
367) is a familiar example. The sea-bear (Callorhinus), 
common in Behring Strait and Kamchatka, is one of the 
famous fur-seals of commerce. 
VALUE.—Hides, ivory, viscera, etc. One million Atlantic hair-seals 
are killed annually, and two hundred thousand Pacific fur-seals, and 
many more from the South Atlantic. 
Sub-order II. The True Carnivora (Fissipedia).— 
The Raccoons (Procyonide) are bear-like animals with 
sharp, pointed muzzles, ranging from Canada to Paraguay. 
The common raccoon (Procyon) is found throughout 
the United States. They are nocturnal, vegetable or flesh- 
eating animals, about a foot long, exclusive of the tail, 
which is nearly ten inches in length. Their color is a 
rusty gray with many black-tipped hairs, the tail barred 
with five black rings. They bear from five to six young 
in May, the nest generally being in a hollow tree. The 
black-footed, crab-eating, and Californian raccoons are 
different species, similar in their habits. The coatimundi 
(Masua) is found from Mexico to Paraguay. The kinka- 
jou and Bassaris are allies. 
VALUE.—Five hundred thousand coon-skins are annually used 
as fur. 
Bears (Urside).—This family has a wide geographical 
range, being represented in all countries except Australia, 
The white or polar bear (Fig. 368) (Ursus maritimus) is 
found in the Arctic regions, The body is large, and cov- 
ered with white hair, the tail rudimentary, the foot enor- 
mous, measuring one sixth of the length of the entire body, 
and armed with powerful claws, They are particularly dis- 
tinguished from other bears by having the soles of the feet 
covered with close-set hairs—a provision that prevents 
