Lisa Fuller, age 8, of Greenville, Miss., for her question

WHAT KIND OF BIRD IS THE MONGOOSE?

The mongoose is definitely not a bird. It is a small animal about 16 inches long that is related to the civit. It has stiff, yellowish gray hair that is grizzled with brownish black.
The mongoose is an animal with a fierce disposition. You'll find it wild in Africa and southern Asia. In North Amercia, you'll have to find the mongoose in a zoo.
Known for its ability to kill mice, rats and snakes, the mongoose is extremely swift. It has been introduced into Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and other parts of the world to destroy hordes of rats.
But the mongoose also kills poultry, wild birds and other beneficial small animals. It eats birds' eggs and young birds. And the mongoose also reproduces rapidly.
Mongooses cannot be brought into the United States without a permit from the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. A permit is granted only if the animal will be used in a zoological exhibit or for educational, medical or scientific purposes.

The mongoose is definitely not a bird. It is a small animal about 16 inches long that is related to the civit. It has stiff, yellowish gray hair that is grizzled with brownish black.

The mongoose is an animal with a fierce disposition. You'll find it wild in Africa and southern Asia. In North Amercia, you'll have to find the mongoose in a zoo.

Known for its ability to kill mice, rats and snakes, the mongoose is extremely swift. It has been introduced into Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and other parts of the world to destroy hordes of rats.

But the mongoose also kills poultry, wild birds and other beneficial small animals. It eats birds' eggs and young birds. And the mongoose also reproduces rapidly.

Mongooses cannot be brought into the United States without a permit from the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. A permit is granted only if the animal will be used in a zoological exhibit or for educational, medical or scientific purposes.