Page:Handbook for Boys.djvu/160

Rh seventy-five to one hundred and twenty pounds and are distinguishable from coyotes by the heavy muzzle and jaws, greater size, and comparatively small tail, which is often held aloft. Wolves nowadays rarely molest man.

Coyote (Canis latrans) The common coyote is like a small and delicate edition of the gray wolf. It is much smaller, weighing only twenty to thirty pounds, and is distinguished by its sharp, fox-like muzzle and large bushy tail, which is rarely raised to the level. In color it is much like the ordinary gray wolf but usually more tinged with yellow. It is found in all the interior country from Wisconsin to Oregon and from Mexico to Great Slave Lake. There are several different varieties. It never attacks man.

Otter (Lutra canadensis)

The otter is a large water weasel with close, dense, shiny fur and webbed feet. It is known by its color — dark Otter brown above shaded into dark gray below and white on the cheeks without any markings — and by its size. It is about forty inches long and weighs about twenty pounds. It is' found throughout North America within the limit of trees. Its fur is very valuable. It feeds on fish.

Weasel (Putorius noveboracensis)

The common weasel of New England is about the size of a big rat; that is, it is sixteen inches long and all brown with the

exception of white chin, throat, breast, and paws, and black tip to the tail. In winter it turns white except the tail tip; that does not change.

The whole continent is inhabited by weasels of one kind or another. To the north there is a smaller kind with shorter tail; on the prairies a large kind with a very long tail; but, all are of the same general style and habits. A very small one,