Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
14
The “Cat” that Isn't and Doesn't— and Its Relatives: The Amazing Weasel Family
MYTHS
The “fisher cat” is a sort of cat that fishes.
Fishers aren't harmed by porcupine quills.
Fishers are large animals.
Fishers kill porcupines by flipping them on their backs and attacking their unprotected bel-
lies.
Weasels are evil and kill for the sheer pleasure of killing.
Weasels suck the blood of their prey.
Martens feed mainly on squirrels.
Our North American marten is the pine marten.
Otters rarely go far from water.
Otters kill many valuable fish.
Skunks can't spray scent if picked up by the tail.
Skunks are quick to spray if disturbed.
Baby skunks can't spray scent.
Female (or male) skunks have no scent.
