A mongoose is a small, snake-killing, cat-like mammal. They are slender, small, and packed with a lot of vitality. The mongoose is a species of small, bold, carnivorous predator that is primarily found in Africa but can also be found in southern Asia and southern Europe. The 10 species that belong to the genus Herpestes are the most common and probably the best-known. Included in this group are the Egyptian mongoose, also known as the ichneumon of Africa and southern Europe, as well as the Indian gray mongoose. The meerkat, scientifically known as Suricata suricatta, belongs to the same family as mongooses.

Rudyard Kipling's short story "Rikki tikki tavi" was featured in The Jungle Book. The story is about an Indian grey mongoose and is credited with popularizing the mongoose. They are able to communicate with one another using a wide variety of noises, such as mongoose cries, growls, and giggles. A distinctive pattern of actions is exhibited in response to each sound. Mongooses spend most of their time active during the day, when they hunt and interact with one another.