Mongoose
mongoose(MAHNG soos is the name of several kinds of small animals that live in Africa and southern Asia. The common mongoose is about 16 inches(41 centimeters) long. Its stiff hair is yellowish-gray with bits of brownish-black. The mongoose is best known for being able to kill snakes. It is able to jump so quickly that it can grab and kill poisonous snakes, such as the cobra, without getting bitten. The mongoose also kills mice, rats, birds, and other small animals. It eats birds' eggs, too. The mongoose is a very fierce animal, but sometimes it can be tamed. Special permission is needed to bring a mongoose into the United States. Permission is granted only if the animal is going to a zoo or is used for educational, medical, or scientific study.