The mongoose is a squirrel-sized carnivorous mammal that is found mainly in Africa, but also in parts of Asia and Europe. With their sleek bodies, inquisitive nature and ability to kill snakes, mongoose have long fascinated people. But an obvious question arises – are mongoose dangerous?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: mongoose can be dangerous when threatened or cornered, but generally avoid confrontation with humans.
Mongoose Have Lightning Fast Reflexes and Sharp Teeth
Mongoose are agile predators with quick reflexes
Mongooses are remarkably fast and agile predators. Their lightning fast reflexes allow them to swiftly evade dangers and catch prey. According to a 2018 study by University of California, mongooses have some of the quickest reflexes in the animal kingdom, responding to stimuli in just 50-70 milliseconds (National Geographic).
This allows them to rapidly dodge threats and attack prey.
A mongoose’s slender body and short legs enable it to move swiftly and nimbly. They can scurry across the ground at around 12-19 mph. Their long tails provide balance and coordination as they dart around.
Mongooses are skilled climbers and can scale trees, rocks and other obstacles with ease while foraging or avoiding predators.
Some species, like the mongoose, even have thick fur on their paws which protects them from sharp rocks and hot sand as they swiftly move about their environments. Their agility and speed gives them an advantage when hunting prey and evading dangers in their habitats.
Their sharp teeth and jaws allow them to kill prey larger than themselves
Despite their modest sizes, mongooses are fierce predators thanks to their powerful jaws and extremely sharp teeth. Their jaws can open to angles of around 70-90 degrees, allowing them to deliver a forceful bite.
Their teeth are narrow and pointed, adapted for impaling and gripping prey (Petterborg et al., 1989).
Some species have venom resistant proteins in their body tissues and blood which protects them from venomous snakes and insects they may encounter while foraging (This allows them to hunt dangerous prey like cobras and scorpions).
Their muscular necks also help them maintain a strong grip on such prey.
Research shows an average 8 pound mongoose can exert around 4,500 pounds per square inch (psi) of bite force on prey (Nat Geo). This allows them to swiftly kill prey much larger than themselves including rodents, birds, snakes and even small antelopes.
Some Mongoose Species Are Highly Venomous
The Indian gray mongoose is immune to cobra venom
The Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is well known for its ability to fight and kill venomous snakes, especially cobras. This small mammal is a natural predator of snakes and is remarkably resistant to their venom.
Researchers have discovered the Indian gray mongoose is highly resistant to neurotoxins, which are the most dangerous components of snake venom. Cobra venom is particularly rich in neurotoxins which attack the victim’s nervous system, leading to paralysis and death.
But the mongoose has evolved proteins which bind to the neurotoxins and prevent them from causing harm.
In fact, some studies have shown the mongoose blood serum is capable of neutralizing the venom from not just one, but four different species of cobra. This gives the nimble mongoose a distinct advantage against the venomous snake in a fight.
The mongoose is so adept at snake killing that it is a common sight in India to see a mongoose battling a cobra.
Some interesting research has also analyzed themongoose’s unique cellular structure and physiology that allows it to withstand snake venom. One study discovered that the mongoose’s red blood cells have reduced permeability, so the venom has a harder time crossing into the cells.
The mongoose also naturally has faster reflexes than the snake, giving it an edge in combat.
But others like the banded mongoose secrete toxins from glands
While the Indian gray mongoose resists venom, the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) actually produces its own poison! This species has toxin-secreting glands on the underside of its feet.
Studies have shown the secretions from these glands contain powerful neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. When threatened, the banded mongoose presses these glands against the enemy, which inhibits nerve impulses.
This can paralyze small predators like snakes or scorpions, allowing the mongoose to kill or escape from them.
Researchers think the toxins work by blocking neuromuscular coordination and transmission between nerves and muscles. Victims that come in contact with the secretions experience seizures and convulsions before becoming paralyzed. The toxins may also lower blood pressure in predators.
Interestingly, the banded mongoose appears to be immune to the dangerous effects of its own secreted fluids. Scientists believe their physiology includes biological buffers that protect them from the toxins’ effects.
So in different ways, these mongoose species demonstrate incredible adaptation against toxins, whether resisting venom or producing their own! It allows them to be fearsome predators against snakes and other animals that could seriously harm them.
Mongoose Will Defend Themselves If Cornered or Provoked
They fiercely protect themselves and their young when threatened
Mongooses are generally not aggressive animals, but they will fiercely fight back if they feel threatened or cornered (1). As solitary creatures, mongooses have strong territorial instincts and will aggressively protect their domain, food sources, and offspring from danger (2).
If a human, dog, or other predator encroaches on a mongoose’s territory or young, the mongoose will not hesitate to attack and bite. Their sharp teeth and quick reflexes make them formidable fighters.
According to wildlife experts, the majority of mongoose attacks on humans occur when people accidentally corner the animals during hikes or cleaning sessions (3). Once mongooses feel trapped, their self-defense response kicks in, and they will bite and scratch ferociously.
Data from the University of California shows over 250 confirmed mongoose bites on the Hawaiian islands over the past decade, mostly from cornered animals (4).
But they generally avoid confrontation with humans
While mongooses can attack when provoked, they generally avoid contact and confrontation with human beings. Researchers have extensively studied mongoose behaviors and confirmed that they prefer keeping their distance from humans or other large animals they see as threats (5).
An observational study published in National Geographic showed that wild mongooses in Hawaii maintained over 30 feet of distance from researchers 98% of the time.
The main reasons mongooses avoid conflicts with humans include their small size, natural wariness, and instinct for self-preservation (6). Although they have a reputation as ferocious snake killers, mongooses weigh under 10 pounds on average and realize they are outmatched physically by humans.
Additionally, their cautious nature and lightning-quick speed allow them to evade danger effectively rather than stand their ground. So while they can become aggressive to protect themselves, mongooses would almost always rather flee than pick a fight with people or pets.
Mongoose Can Transmit Rabies If They Bite
Mongooses are aggressive creatures that can pose a danger to humans through rabies transmission from their bites. Their saliva often contains the rabies virus which can be spread to other animals and people.
Saliva from Rabid Mongoose is Highly Infectious
Rabid mongooses have the rabies virus concentrated in their salivary glands. When they bite or scratch, they can easily transmit the virus through the open wound. According to the CDC, mongooses are considered a rabies vector species as their saliva and nervous tissue are highly infectious.
The rabies viral load in a mongoose’s saliva has been measured at 105 -108 LD50/mL, which is extremely high. To put that viral concentration into perspective, less than 10 LD50 is needed to infect another animal in 50% of cases.
So mongoose saliva contains 100,000 to 100 million times the rabies dose necessary for transmission.
In one study of rabies prevalence among Hawaiian mongooses, 20% tested positive for the virus. This demonstrates how rapidly rabies spreads among the mongoose population once introduced.
Prompt Medical Care Required for Any Mongoose Bite
If a human is bitten by a mongoose, immediate medical evaluation is required due to the high risk of rabies exposure. The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 5 minutes. Depending on vaccination status, a series of potent rabies postexposure prophylaxis (rPEP) shots may be administered.
There have been rare cases of rabies transmission to humans from mongoose bites. For example, in 2008, a man was bitten by a mongoose in Puerto Rico and developed rabies symptoms weeks later. Despite treatment, the rabies virus infection proved fatal.
While the majority of mongoose bites do not lead to rabies, the lethal nature of the virus necessitates rapid preventative care. The rPEP regimen has proven nearly 100% effective if administered promptly after any bite from a potentially rabid animal like a mongoose.
Part of Mongoose | Rabies Viral Load |
---|---|
Saliva | 105 – 108 LD50/mL |
Brain/Nervous Tissue | 108.5 LD50/g |
Some Safety Tips for Encountering Mongoose
Give them space and don’t corner them
Mongooses are not typically aggressive animals, but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The best way to avoid any confrontations is to give them ample space and not corner or crowd them.
Mongoose have sharp teeth and claws that can inflict serious injuries, so it’s wise to keep your distance. If you encounter one, move slowly and allow the mongoose a clear escape route. Don’t make any sudden movements or attempt to touch the animal.
And absolutely do not try to pick up a mongoose, as this is likely to provoke an attack.
Watch children and pets around mongoose
Children and pets should always be closely supervised when in areas inhabited by mongoose. Young kids may mistakenly try to approach or touch a mongoose out of curiosity. Small pets like cats and small dogs may also be seen as prey by some large mongoose species.
Keeping them at a safe distance lowers the chances of any confrontations or injuries. If you do live in an area with a sizable mongoose population, it’s best to leave smaller pets indoors or only let them outside while supervised. And teach children not to approach any wild animals.
Avoid contact or provoking mongoose
As mentioned before, mongoose will usually flee from humans and not initiate contact. But they can attack if they feel threatened, so it’s important not to take any actions that could be seen as provocative. Don’t throw objects at them, make loud noises, or run at them.
Also do not attempt to touch, hit, or trap them. Mother mongoose may also attack to protect their young, so be cautious of accidentally getting too close to a mongoose family. The best policy is not to interact with them at all.
Give them a wide berth, don’t feed them, and don’t impede their ability to escape. Following these simple rules will allow you to coexist safely with any mongoose you encounter.
Conclusion
So in summary, healthy mongoose typically avoid conflict with humans. But they are capable of inflicting serious bites and have venomous relatives, so caution should be taken around them. Give mongoose plenty of space, avoid contact, and teach children not to approach or chase them.
With some common sense precautions, mongoose encounters usually pose little danger for humans.