History of All Animals. 143

# ON INDIAN FOXES

The animal which some Spaniards call a fox, others an *Oedipus*, and the Indians call *Coyotl* or *Atoc*, was unknown to the Old World. It has a wolf-like head, bright eyes, small sharp ears, and a long black snout that is not particularly thick. Its legs are sinewy, its claws hooked, and its tail is very thick and hairy. Its bite is dangerous. In form, it closely resembles our local fox and could perhaps be classified within the same genus, though its size is midway between a fox and a wolf. For this reason, it attacks not only pigs and similar animals but also deer and, on occasion, humans. It is covered in a mixture of long dark and white hair. It possesses the temperament of a fox and is such a persistent avenger of injuries, and so mindful of prey stolen from it, that even after several days it will recognize the thief, pursue them if encountered, and attack. Indeed, once it has identified a house, it will take revenge for the injury by picking off whatever domestic animals it can find. Conversely, it is a courteous and grateful beast toward those who have been kind to it, demonstrating its goodwill by leaving their poultry unharmed. It primarily inhabits the warmer regions of New Spain. It feeds on the flesh of weaker animals, as well as maize, other grains, and even sugar cane if it happens upon it. It is captured with traps and snares and killed with arrows.

Another animal belonging to this genus is also called *Coyotl* by the Indians and is endowed with the same nature, but it haunts ant burrows, from which it takes its name. When it howls at night, it produces a great variety of cries. This is also done by another animal called the *Hal coyotl*, which frequents towns and mostly lives by preying on poultry. Similarly, the animal known as the *Ilpemaxtla* is a species of fox clothed in white, black, and tawny hair. It has a small head and ears, a slender body nearly three feet long, and a long, thin snout, though its diet and habits are those of a fox.

Another little fox, which rivals the color of toasted maize, is called *Yzquiepotl* by the Indians. In its tricks and cunning, it is similar to our own fox. It is nearly a foot and a half long and low-slung, with a thin snout, small ears, and a hairy black body—especially near its long tail, which, like its entire back, is covered in black and white hair. It has short black legs and hooked claws. It lives in rocky caves where it raises its young. It feeds on beetles and grubs, and while it also slaughters poultry, it devours only their heads. When it discharges gas, it emits a most foul stench; its urine and dung are likewise so fetid that nothing so pestilential is found in the entire world. Consequently, when it finds itself in extreme danger, it discharges its waste to defend itself from any harm at a distance of eight or more paces. Despite this, its meat is eaten, and its dung is used by those suffering from the "Spanish disease"—or rather, the "Indian disease" [syphilis]. A "fox oil" is also produced from this animal, which is no less effective than that prepared from our local fox. Furthermore, Chiapas is home to little foxes that lurk in trees to prey on small birds. Finally, regarding the fox's anatomy, it should be noted that its penis is bony, as Aristotle reported. We explained this in our *History of Digitate Quadrupeds*, but because its illustration was not available at the time, we could not satisfy the reader’s curiosity; therefore, we provide its image here.