Indian grey Mongoose

Appearance

The Indian grey mongoose or common grey mongoose, is a medium sized tawny or yellowish grey with a lighter underside, darker feet , and dark red tail tip. They have a reddish tint to their heads. Their tail length equals their body length. Body length: 36–45 cm Tail length: 45 cm , weight: 0.9-1.7 kg . Males are significantly larger than the females. Mongooses can see colours, unlike most mammals, which have only partial colour vision.

A mongoose cracks eggs open by standing with its back to a wall and throwing the eggs under its body and between its back legs so that the eggs break against the wall. Indian grey mongooses are often kept as pets to keep houses free from rats and other pests. The mongoose closes its outer ear when hunting in soil to keep out dirt and water.

Food

Being carnivorous it feeds on many species ranging from rat to snake. The mongoose is a skillful hunter that actively searches for prey by using its strong senses of smell and sight. It eats anything it can catch. The Indian grey mongoose commonly eats small mammals such as rats, as well as eggs and a variety of arthropods, including the scorpion. The mongoose sniffs the ground and turns over rocks and stones in its search for prey. If the animal tries to flee, the mongoose chases it. It kills its prey while they are both running by delivering a bite to the neck or head. Although the mongoose eats snakes, including the venomous cobra, the main part of its diet consists of small animals that live on or under the ground. The mongoose is a fast and agile hunter. It is always watchful for prey.