Herpestidae - mongooses
 There are 34 species in this family. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe, but they have been introduced all over the world. Mongoose have long bodies; small heads; pointed snouts; short, rounded ears; and long tails. Most species are gray or brown. Most species in this family eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, eggs, and insects. They strike their prey quickly and are well-known for their ability to kill poisonous snakes without getting bitten. The species in this family are found in a wide-variety of habitats from forests to deserts. Some species live in colonies, other species are more solitary. Some species in this family are semi-aquatic and other species are at home in trees.
The
Indian mongoose was introduced in Hawaii in 1883 in an attempt to kill the rats that were eating the sugar cane crops. Unfortunately, the Indian mongoose hunts during the day and the rats come out at night! Today, the Indian mongoose preys on native Hawaiian animals, especially birds.
 Endangered in N.H.
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 Threatened in N.H.
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 Introduced
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 Endangered in U.S.
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 Threatened in U.S.
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 Breeds in N.H.
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| New Hampshire Species |
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Other North American Species |
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Indian Mongoose
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