ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
31 
of the country, frequenting the banks of streams and swampy 
ground. In the West there is scarcely a stream on the 
banks of which its footprints are not visible ; it feeds on fish, 
fresh-water shell-fish, and is closely allied to the otter in 
many of its habits ; it can remain a long time under water, 
either when pursued or when searching for food. An odor 
is said to be emitted by it when attacked, somewhat between 
that of a cat and a skunk ; when closely pressed it sets its 
pursuer at bay, arching its back like a cat, snarling and 
turning with the greatest rapidity, and makes a desperate 
resistance before it is captured. 
To a casual observer the Mustelidoe would seem very 
scarce ; but as night is the season for their operations, they 
seldom or never shew themselves by day ; their habitat may 
be frequently passed by unwittingly, except when winter 
reveals it by their trail in the snow. In the woods and rocky 
regions of the West and Hudson Bay they are most numer- 
ous ; but enough are left everywhere for them not to be 
classed among the rarer animals. 
The Otter ( Lutra Canadensis ) was long confounded 
with its European congener, till proved by Sabine to be dis- 
tinct. It is found throughout the whole continent. 
Description . — Amphibious ; broad palmate feet; tail more 
or less horizontally flattened ; head broad and rounded ; blunt 
muzzle ; ears very short ; eyes small. 
The otter feeds exclusively on fish, and aquatic animals, 
though in a state of domestication it will devour raw meat. 
It fights with great fierceness, and is more than a match for 
a common sized dog. Its legs are very short, and its feet 
webbed, and better fitted for swimming than for running upon 
land ; being so eminently aquatic in its habits, it is seldom 
seen far from the water. 
The otter is becoming scarce as the country is being 
cleared up ; and is, like the Indian, compelled to give way 
before the approach of man, retiring further westward and 
