Mongoose Facts

The mongooses MAIN diet consists of what foods-

• flowers, grasses, insects

• small rodents, birds, reptiles, frogs, and worms

• tree bark, leaves, and grasses

A mongoose's habitat:

• large nests high in the trees

• wet, marshy areas

• burrows in the ground

What is the average life span of a mongoose?

• 5 years

• 20 years

• 50 years

Where is the mongoose primarily found?

• Africa/Asia

• Alaska

• South America

The mongoose is most famous for its ability to kill what animal?

• cobras

• mice

• crickets

Which book/author made the mongoose famous with a hero mongoose?

• Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling

• The Rats of NIMH by O'Briend

• The Killing Cobra by Rudyard Kipling

Why was the mongoose introduced to the Hawaiian islands in the 1800's?

• to help control the bird population

• to help control the rodent population

• as a breeding program to reintroduce the species

Did you know?

• That the mongoose was worshiped by the Greek gods. History shows multiple gold statues of gods and goddesses honoring the animal.

• The mongoose was an important species during the 1800's and was well known for its ability to lead lost travelers with its distinct "tsk, tsk," and "chattering" calls.

• Mummified mongooses and images of the species have been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Choose the correct size information about a common mongoose: Choose all that apply.

• 4 feet long

• 7-25 inches long

• 12 oz. to 11 lbs

• 25 lbs. or more

• 5 ft. tall when standing upright

Choose all of the physical qualities of the common mongoose:

• long bodies, short legs

• brown, gray fur

• striped coats (certain species)

• ringed tails (certain species)

• tapered snouts