44 NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 
‘Wolverene, although it is reported to defend itself with boldness and success 
against the attack of other quadrupeds, flies from the face of man, and makes. 
but a poor fight with a hunter, who requires no other arms than a stick to kill it. 
It brings forth from two to four young once a year. The cubs are covered . 
with a downy fur, of a pale or cream colour. It is found throughout the whole 
northern parts of the American continent, from the coast of Labrador and Davis’ 
Straits to the shores of the Pacific and the islands of Alaska. It even visits the 
islands of the Polar sea, its bones having been found in Melville island, nearly in 
latitude 75°. It is not rare in Canada, but the extent of its range to the south-' 
ward is not mentioned by American writers. 
DESCRIPTION. 
This animal has a broad compact head, which is suddenly rounded off on every side to 
form the nose. In the shape of its jaws it resembles a dog. Its ears are low, rounded, 
and much hid by the surrounding fur. The back is arched; the tail low and bushy; the 
legs thick and short, and the whole aspect of the animal indicates strength, without much 
activity.. The fur bears a great similarity to that of the black bear, but is not so long, nor 
of so much value. It is in general of a dark brown colour, passing in the height of winter 
almost into black. A pale reddish-brown band, more or less distinct in different individuals, 
and sometimes fading into soiled brownish-white, commences behind the shoulder, and run- 
ning along the flanks, turns up on the hip and unites with its fellow on the rump. The 
short tail is thickly covered with long black hair. There are some white markings on the 
throat and between the fore-legs, which are not constant in size or number. The legs are 
brownish-black. This animal places its feet on the ground much in the manner of a bear, 
and imprints a track on the snow or sand, which is often mistaken for that of the bear 
by Europeans on their first arrival in the fur countries. The Indians distinguish the tracks 
at the first glance by the length of the steps. The claws are strong and sharp. 
DIMENSIONS. 
ee! 
Length of head and body X F 2 
0 tail (vertebre) B . 4 0 7 
SS tail with fur : 0 
