The Indian Gray Mongoose or Common Grey Mongoose

The Indian Gray Mongoose or Common Grey Mongoose is a species of mongoose found in southern India and Sri Lanka. The gray mongoose is commonly found in open forests, scrub lands and cultivated fields, often close to human habitation. It lives in burrows, hedgerows and thickets, among groves of trees, taking shelter under rocks or bushes and even in drains. It is very bold and inquisitive but wary, seldom venturing far from cover. It climbs well. Usually found singly or in pairs. It preys on rodents, snakes, birds’ eggs and hatchlings, lizards and variety of invertebrates. Along the Chambal river it occasionally feeds on gharial eggs. It breeds throughout the year.

The Indian grey mongoose, or common grey mongoose is a medium sized tawny or yellowish grey with a lighter underside, darker feet (this separates it from the syntopic Small Asian Mongoose), and dark red tail tip. They have a reddish tint to their heads. Their tail length equals their body length. Body length: 14-17 inches (36-45cm) Tail length: 17 inches (45 cm), weight: 2-4 lb. (0.89-1.7kg). Males are significantly larger than the females

The Indian Mongoose and others are popularly used to fight and kill venomous snakes, including vipers. They are adept at such tasks due to their agility, cunning, thick coat, and mutated acetylcholine receptors, which render them resistant or immune to snake venom. They typically avoid the cobra and have no particular affinity for consuming its meat