TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIA S. 
381 
overturns fallen timber which a yoke of oxen could scarcely 
move. It is seldom that the Indians, with their imperfect 
weapons, venture to attack this formidable animal; and when¬ 
ever one is killed by them, the occasion becomes a matter of 
great rejoicing, and the fortunate victor is ever after held in 
great estimation by his comrades. A steak cut from the 
haunch of the grisly bear, and roasted on a stick by a camp 
fire, is by no means despicable fare, and the skin forms a most 
comfortable couch for the hunter. 
Ursus maritimus , Polar Bear.—This great inhabitant 
of the frozen regions is not properly a Californian animal, 
though there is no doubt that he sometimes makes his appear¬ 
ance on the extreme northern coast, being floated southward 
on his own peculiar and original conveyance, a cake of ice. 
Procyon lotor, Raccoon.—This well known animal is found 
in many parts of California. 
Meles Salradoira , American Badger.—This species in¬ 
habits the northern part of California as well as the plains 
of Missouri and those near the Rocky Mountains north 
to the Peace river. It burrows in the sand, and is well calcu¬ 
lated for its mode of life, being very strong in the fore feet. 
It is entirely different in aspect and size from the European 
species. 
Gulo luscus, The Glutton or Wolverine.—This peculiar 
animal, which partakes of the nature of the bear, the fox 
and the weasel, is well known to the beaver trappers, by 
the constant annoyance to which it subjects them in devouring 
their baits and destroying their traps. It is a savage, sullen 
creature, and though from its size not formidable to man, it 
preys upon small animals. Stories have been often repeated 
of the manner in which the wolverine entraps the deer—by 
climbing to a branch of a tree, and letting down moss, upon 
which the unsuspecting victim stopping to feed, is immediately 
mounted by the glutton, which, fixing his claws and teeth in its 
back, maintains his hold till the lacerated and terrified animal 
falls and offers a delicious meal to its destroyer. 
