Wolves, coyotes, and foxes are the natural enemies of this ferocious
little creature. In spite of its diminutive size, it is a foe to be
respected, for its attack is always aimed at a vital point--commonly
the brain, the back of the neck, or the jugular vein of its adversary.]
Rodents and insectivorous mammals are without effective weapons of
offense or defense against the birds and beasts of prey which beset
them. Many, however, are surprisingly courageous when brought to bay,
and, using their front teeth, will fight to the death with vigor and
spirit. This is especially notable of the muskrats and their cousins,
the field-mice. Carnivores, both great and small, have teeth and claws
with which to defend themselves against attack.