Over thirty species of mongooses are found in the woodlands of India, Africa, parts of Europe and other places. Most are slightly bigger than a squirrel, with thick, soft brown and black fur. Their small ears are set behind sharp eyes on a pointed head and snout, and their Creator has given them streamlined bodies just right for their life-style. Some species are night hunters while others feed in the morning and evening and rest in the hotter part of the day. They are very curious animals and are easily caught by attracting them with bright lights. They are also fond of shiny or brightly colored objects and, like pack rats, place many such things in their nests.
Although not immune to poison, they don't hesitate to attack vicious snakes. Much like the roadrunner bird, a mongoose, spotting a snake, slowly circles around it, then makes a swift attack. The snake strikes back, but the attacker dodges easily and tempts it again and again. Each time the snake becomes more tired, and finally the mongoose kills it. The Indian and gray mongooses skilled in this, are well known and are often tamed and used by exhibitors on street corners in India to stage fights with deadly cobras. The mongoose is always victorious, and the owner makes a living with the coins tossed to him for his pet's performances.
The diet of these animals includes rats, mice and other small animals, birds, fruit, nuts and insects. Some also eat crabs and other shellfish. The banded mongoose, which is two feet long from its nose to the tip of its tail and dressed in thick brown and tan fur, is one of these. After catching a shellfish it will rise on its hind legs and hurl it to the ground, breaking the shell so it can get at the meat. This species also has an odd way of eating large eggs. Standing upright with a large rock behind it and holding the egg in its front paws, it tosses it backward between its hind legs, smashing it against the rock, then turns around to enjoy the treat!
This little animal is another example of the pleasure the Creator has in the variety of living creatures He has brought into being, as expressed in our opening verse. Those who love the Lord God can share His pleasure by recognizing that all things were created by Him and not listening to the foolish and false claims of some who speak about "evolution." Those who recognize "evolution" show their refusal to believe God's Word, the Bible, which is the only source of all that is true.
Reading the Bible every day helps us to understand the wonders of His ways and to see why He declares: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil." Jer. 29:1111For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11). Have you thanked Him for His thoughts of peace and love toward you?