predators

The species is able to ward off predators such as bears and other attackers thanks to two glands on the side of their anus. The odor that is secreted is a mixture of chemicals that warns the predators to back off. They are able to emit the scent before they reach maturity at only a month old. This species only lives up to five years and reach sexual maturity at the age of one for females and one and a half for males. Females reproduce once a year and typically give birth to 1 to 5 babies in late Spring. The offspring stays close to the mother until they are one year old due to the fact that they are born without their eyes open. This means they are very dependent on their mothers during the early stages of life. The father is the one to usually go out and hunt while the offspring stay latched onto the nipples of the females hidden away in a small pouch that protects them from the outside environment found in the underbelly of the female.