68 
Quadrupeds. 
drains. The male utters no noise when taken, but the 
females sometimes emit a shrill squeak. 
Otters are generally caught in traps placed near their 
landing-places, and carefully concealed in the sand. 
When hunted by dogs, the old ones defend themselves 
with great obstinacy. They bite severely, and do not 
readily quit their hold. Otter-hunting is a favourite 
sport in many parts of Great Britain-, particularly in 
the midland counties of England, and in Wales. 
THE SEA OTTEE. (Lutra or Enhdyralutris.) 
The common Otter sometimes takes to the sea ; but, on 
the eastern coasts of Northern Asia and the opposite 
shores of North America, true Sea Otters are met with, 
chiefly about the numerous rocky islands which fringe 
those coasts. The Sea Otter in its habits resembles the 
seals more than the common species ; it is about three 
feet long without the tail, and is covered with a thick, 
rich, dark brown, or nearly black fur, which is so highly 
prized that single fine skins have been known to sell for 
a sum equivalent to twenty pounds, and the animals 
have, in consequence, been pursued with such avidity, 
that their numbers are greatly reduced. 
