The Otters prefer to live in or near the water, and they are formed to find great enjoyment in this life. Their webbed feet, their slender shape and flattened head make them very active in darting through the water for their prey. They are usually found along the edges of lakes, rivers and streams, where they either dig out a burrow communicating with the water, or make their home in some natural crevice near the bank of the stream. They feed principally upon fish, and they cause a great deal of trouble in the waters near their home, as they are not satisfied with killing simply to satisfy their hunger, but often hunt and kill the Fish, etc., simply for the sake of killing.
Unlike the most of the Weasel family, the Otters will eat vegetables, although they prefer an animal diet. The skin of the Otter has always been a fur of great value, for it is soft, close and durable. The coat of this animal, like that of the Beaver and almost all of the aquatic Mammals, is composed of two layers—the one next to the skin formed of short, fine, downy hair; the other, which grows through it, is more glossy, longer and coarser.
Otters are found in all parts of the world, but they are most plentiful in Europe and America. The Common Otter measures about two feet and a quarter from the tip of the nose to the tail—which is from twelve to fifteen inches in length. The usual color of the fur is brown, shading to darker tints.
In Kamschatka and on the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean, there exists a species of Otter, which differs from all other species in the softness and brilliancy of its fur, and its living almost entirely in the water. It measures more than a yard in length and is very mild in disposition. The skins of the Sea Otters are very high in price, and are increasing in value, as these animals are becoming very scarce.
THE CIVET FAMILY.
The Civets are the best known of the family classed as the Viverridae which comprises not only the two kinds of Civets—the African and the Indian Civet—but the Mangousts, the Genets and many small relatives. The Civets are the largest of this family, although they are not often larger than a Fox. For many years they were very popular, because of the perfume which they furnish and which bears their name. This is secreted in small glands which pour it into a double pouch. Since musk has become better known, the use of the Civet has been less popular, but at one time it formed a valuable article of trade. Each year Africa and India exported to Europe large quantities which was used in medicine and perfumery.
The Indian Civet inhabits not only the Indian Continent, but also the neighboring islands. It differs from the African Civet in having a longer and rougher coat. Both are fawn-colored, marked with stripes or brown spots.
THE MANGOUSTS.
MANGOUSTS.