The Wonders of God’s Creation
“O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!” Psa. 36:6,7.
The Aardwolf (called earth wolf by natives) lives in the dry, open parts of Southern Africa. It looks like a dog with extra-large ears and pointed muzzle, and is quite similar to the closely related hyena, although smaller. It is about three feet long, plus a bushy black-tipped tail of the same length. It appears somewhat out of balance with a sloping back and hind legs shorter than those in front. It is also very plain looking, with rough, coarse, yellowish striped fur and a crest down its back that rises in angry bristles when the wolf is attacked.
In spite of fierce looks, loud barks and roaring, it is harmless and shy around people. Although having strong claws and sharp teeth, it uses them only for defense or for getting food. When available, it prefers a meal of dead animals (carrion), large insects, white ants and termites. It finds these last two by breaking into nests and mounds with the sharp claws on its strong front legs. These insects being its principal food, the Creator has provided it with a sticky tongue to help catch and dispose of thousands of them in a single meal.
Because of its sharp claws and teeth, plus the fact that it can spray enemies with a foul-smelling fluid, this animal is left pretty much alone. Also, the natives do not care to eat aardwolf meat.
The claws are important for digging deep burrows where it lies and sleeps in the daytime, doing its hunting at night. These burrows are cleverly designed. Three or four pairs of aardwolves each have their own burrow, and each burrow is extended farther into a central chamber where on occasion the aardwolves get together. In bad weather they stay underground for days at a time, but when the weather is clear some will interrupt their daytime snoozes to enjoy an outdoor sunbath.
If an empty burrow is available they help themselves to it and avoid digging their own. But they still have to make changes to provide a room where little ones — usually triplets — are born. Like puppy dogs, their babies are blind and helpless at birth, but in less than a year they are fully grown.
It is not likely anyone would want to make pets of aardwolves. But in spite of their odd characters they are part of God’s creation, and even though they are unaware of it, His loving care is over them. This love and care is told to us in His Word, the Bible, and each of us should respond as the psalmist did when he wrote: “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord.” Psa. 145:9,10. Does He hear your voice in praise and thanksgiving?
ML-08/13/1989