On the western plains, where it once had for companions the buffalo and prong-horn, the Swift is becoming rare. Its worst enemy is the deadly strychnine bottle of the ranchman. This species does not thrive in the Fox Dens, and it will be found in the Burrowing Animal’s Quarters, where it seems pleased to consider itself at home.
In the Small-Mammal House is shown a new species, closely allied to the above, from Phoenix, Arizona, recently described by Dr. C. H. Merriam as Vulpes macrotis, or the Large-Eared Swift.
The Gray Fox, (Urocyon virginianus), is the fox of the South, even though it does range northward well into the territory of the red fox. This species is distinctly smaller and more lightly built than the red, its hair is not so luxuriant, it is more shy and retiring, and its colors change very little. When hotly pursued by dogs it often climbs trees that are quite perpendicular, to a height of twenty feet or more. In captivity Gray Foxes are forever trying to escape by climbing, instead of by burrowing, as would naturally be expected. In temper, they are treacherous to their keepers, and also to each other, and as “pets” are anything but desirable.
RED FOX.
The Tasmanian Wolf, or Thylacine, (Thylacinus cynocephalus), is a very strange-looking and interesting creature, about the size of a pointer dog. Its color is dark yellowish brown, and it has a series of broad black stripes, or bands, running across its hind quarters and loins. The wide gape of its mouth reminds one of an iguana or a monitor.
This animal, fully named above, is the largest of the carnivorous marsupials of Australia, and the female possesses an abdominal pouch in which she carries her young, like a kangaroo. It is now found only in Tasmania, and it dwells amongst rocks, in rugged and mountainous regions. Because of its depredations upon the sheep herds, the Thylacine has been diligently hunted and destroyed, and now living specimens rarely are taken.
In the zoological gardens of Europe and America, this species usually is kept in heated buildings, but it has been ascertained by experiment that this specimen thrives best in the open air. Living examples in captivity are now so very rare it is a difficult matter to keep one constantly on exhibition.
THE OTTER POOLS, No. 31.
The American Otter, (Lutra canadensis), is unfortunate in being the bearer of valuable fur; and in the northern regions, where the cold causes the development of fur that is available for the use of the furrier, this creature is so nearly extinct that trappers no longer pursue it. In the southern States, where its fur is short, rather coarse and “off color,” the Otter still is found. In some portions of eastern Florida, and along the coast of South Carolina, it is frequently taken. In captivity, it often becomes quite tame, even affectionate, and always is interesting. Unless closely confined, however, it is prone to wander, and meet premature death.