NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 
are out upon the open veld, and not too near their 
burrows. When overtaken, they discharge the 
contents of two anal glands, which is a yellow vis- 
cous fluid and has a disagreeable musky odour. 
This is done as a protection, for it is particularly 
unpleasant and nauseating to carnivorous animals. 
Aard Wolves are exceedingly timid creatures, and 
on the slightest cause for alarm will rush off and 
take sanctuary in their burrows, or’ in the dense 
matted shrub. When brought to bay by dogs the 
Aard Wolf emits a roaring kind of noise, ending in 
a sharp yell, and makes short dashes at the dogs in 
the vain hope of intimidating them. When sur- 
rounded or cornered by dogs it seems bold enough, 
but beyond snapping at random it does not offer 
any very serious resistance. On being seized by a 
man it frequently prostrates itself upon the ground 
and lies still. A pair with two almost half-grown 
young ones were dug out of a burrow by a Dutch 
friend of mine in Natal. When he came upon them 
at the end of the hole, they were huddled up in a 
heap ; seizing them one at a time, he dropped them 
into a mealie sack held open by a Kafir. They did 
not resist in the slightest. In captivity the Aard 
Wolf is exceedingly timid, and, retreating to the 
darkest corner of its cage, coils up and lies still 
until dark. It then becomes very restless. If 
taken when in the puppy stage it is possible to 
make these Aard Wolves as tame as any domestic 
dog. Moreover, they soon lose their instinct to 
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