Mustelidae Spotlight: Greater Grison

Every once in a while, we'll run into a mustie who isn't quite as well-known or really as interesting as the other more popular ones. At this point, we really have covered many of the greats, but there are still others. Today, let us have a brief look at a mustie known as the greater grison. There are two species of Grison, and you may imagine that the other one would be called the lesser. This is correct. He is an entire different conversation. The greater grison has his own particulars that got my attention, but first, let's look at what he is all about.

Greater grisons have a somewhat "badgery" look to them mainly in color scheme. They are about 24 inches long from head to tail about about 8 pounds in weight. They are slender, have short legs, a short bushy tail, but a surprisingly long neck. Their feet are webbed with five toes on each foot which have long claws on them. They come in a stunning variety of two color schemes: black and grey... and also grey and black. They can be located mainly in South and Central America.

The greater grisons are also known for being good swimmers as well as adept tree climbers. This is very good since they like a little variety in what they eat. It seemed to me that they really do prefer land--unlike the otters who can't get enough of the water. This mustie prefers solid ground and will only go swimming as a means of hunting up fish. Another interesting tidbit about the greater grison is their anal scent glands--this being similar to what the skunks have. They can even spray as a self-defense mechanism or as a means of marking territory. Personality wise, they don't seem like bad fellows. There is a sort of quiet loneliness about them, but they don't seem like the hostile sort at all.

The one thing that stands out to me about these musties is how their coat colors are arranged. Generally, they have a black undercoat, and a light grey "top," which wraps about the top of the head and drapes along the back as if it was some sort of habit. The line from grey to black is sometimes blurred, but other times, it can be heavily defined. Those are the ones I particularly fancy, and I will explain why.

The greater grison is unheard-of in fiction, but I expected that. This mustie is one of the many unappreciated in the animal kingdom. Because of their "habit" look, I like to see them as little holy people who live on their own taking care of themselves. I think the look works for them in this way. Their out-of-the-way aspect assist with this image and makes people wonder at who they really are. But you must understand that there could be a number of ways to interpret them. This was just the first thing that my imagination gave me. I'd love to hear what other people might see in them. It could be the exact opposite. Look at the pictures and try to figure an idea out for yourself.

One thing I do want to mention before I end this is just how wonderful they look when they are hunting. They appear to me very focused and calm. There is a look in their eyes that I find fascinating--very expressive. Let me know what you think.

Next week, we will discuss his cousin: the lesser grison. You may find him equally as interesting despite what his name suggests!

Thank you for reading this blog. If you enjoyed it, please comment below, or you can email me at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. Bless.