Lematya

From TFC Galactopedia

The lemat'ya is an animal native to Vulcan. The lemat'ya is a large felinoid animal, characterized by a green or rusty coat with bright yellow markings, usually in the form of diamonds along the back and tail. The lemat'ya is a vicious predator, and is known to attack strangers in its territory with little or no provocation. Despite its vicious nature, however, the lematya is a doting parent. Lematyas typically mate for life, and both parents are involved with the rearing of the young, which usually are born single, with occasional twins.

The lematya's reputation has been in part earned because of the vicious venom it carries in it's fangs and claws. Even if a victim should survive the initial attack and escape the lematya, the venom usually causes death within a day. Lematyas are found wild in the deserts of Vulcan, and anyone encountering one is advised to vacate the area with as much haste as possible. Especially to be avoided are lematya of either gender in the company of their young.