THE WILD DOGS OF AFRICA 
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erably larger and more naked, and its tail shorter and not so bushy. 
At first sight it might be easily taken for a young striped hyena, so 
closely does it resemble that animal in the colors and peculiar markings 
of its fur, and in the mane of long stiff hair which runs along the neck 
and back; indeed, it is only to be distinguished by its more pointed 
head, and by the additional fifth toes of the fore feet. It is also quite 
hyena-like in color, being of a dull yellowish-gray tint, and marked 
with dark brown stripes and a black muzzle. One who has seen it says: 
“In its habits and manners the aard wolf resembles the fox. Like 
that animal it is abroad at night, and constructs an underground 
burrow, at the bottom of which it lies concealed during the day time, 
and only ventures abroad on the approach of night to search for food, 
and satisfy the other calls of nature. It is fond of the society of its 
own species; at least many individuals have been found residing 
together in the same burrow; and, as they are of a timid and wary 
character, they have generally three or four entrances to this hole; so 
that, if attacked on one side, they may secure a retreat in an opposite 
direction. Notwithstanding the extra length of their forelegs, they 
are said to run very fast, and so strong is their disposition to burrow, 
that one of these animals, perceiving itself about to be run down or 
captured, immediately ceased its flight, and began to scratch up the 
ground, as if with the intention of making a new hole in the ground.” 
Its food consists very largely of carrion, but it also devours ants. 
