Desmarest describes four species

one of which, the wolverene, is an inhabitant of the N. parts of America. The wolverene is about 28 inches in length from the tip of the nose to the origin of the tail, which latter is about 8 inches, if the hair at the extremity be included, which is from 3 to 4 inches long. The whole body is covered with very long and thick hair, which varies in color according to the season or other circumstances. Its summer coat is generally as follows: Face blackish as high as. the eyebrows, and between these and the ears whitish or brownish;: ears covered with coarse hairs; the lower jaw, and the inside of the fore legs spotted with white; upper part of the back, thighs, and under part of the belly, brown or brownish black; sides, chestnut color. _Its fur_is of considerable value and is much used. It is one of the most destructive of quadrere nm rupeds found in the N. part of America, destroying great numbers of young foxes and other animals; It is also a great enemy to the beaver, watching them as they come out of their houses, or even breaking into their habitations.