Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/276

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THE BABYHOOD OF WILD BEASTS

the third and fourth month and the babies learn to depend on game for sustenance.

Beetles, snails, toads and small creatures are their "huckleberry" during the first few months of their existence, but it’s not long before they can stalk a rabbit, a gopher or a ground hog.

They roll, growl and worry their prey just like the kittens of the back yard do.

They are frolicsome fellows, full of fun and alert every minute they are awake. When mother brings home a delicacy, they purr their delight and lick her face with their red, rough tongues in dumb appreciation; but when they get disappointed, they cry like a child. At two years of age, they are pretty well grown and are real dignified Pumas. Their foreheads are full and broad and they look quite learned.

Master Puma is very fond of fishing.

Sometimes he goes fishing and succeeds in catching them alive. He is a good all round sport and a great fellow for tree climbing. He can climb a tree, ensconce himself comfortably on a limb and laugh himself sick at a raging Grizzly.

Sometimes he goes bird nesting and eats all the