As some of you may know, I have been wanting to go to South Africa for awhile now and this travel bug has been biting me again lately. I figured I would try to get rid of this bug by taking a make belief trip to Africa in today’s Wild Fact. That’s right, we are heading to any part of Africa that is south of the Sahara Desert so we can learn about the incredible Marsh Mongoose. This medium-sized mammal is also known as the Water Mongoose so make sure you pack your bags appropriately since there is probably a good chance we will get wet on this trip.

I mentioned that we can expect to be playing in the water during this imaginary trip since the Marsh Mongoose tends to live in……well, marshes. They have also been known to occupy reed beds, estuaries and even places such as the papyrus swamps where the low oxygen levels make it tough for wildlife to survive. I am guessing the Marsh Mongoose is a hardy little creature if they are capable of living in an area that wouldn’t have a whole lot of food. Speaking of food, what does this Mongoose eat?

Well, typically the Marsh Mongoose will swim along the river banks looking in every crack and crevice they swim past for some smaller aquatic animals, such as frogs, fish and invertebrates. When you think of the Marsh Mongoose, you may not instantly think of “Intelligence” but this may need to change. Believe it or not, this furry Water Mongoose is actually quite intelligent and have been observed throwing crabs and snails against the rocks in order to break through their formidable protective layer. I just picture the little Mongoose going into a full wind up like a baseball pitcher trying to throw strikes against a rock wall. I guess you do what you need to when food is limited.

Marsh Mongoose Fast Fact – Unlike other water animals, the Marsh Mongoose does not have webbed feet. Instead they have soft and sensitive paws similar to a Raccoon. This gives the Mongoose the ability to climb up slippery rocks and also makes it possible for them to throw their food against the rocks.

I hope you enjoyed today’s imaginary trip to Africa. Unfortunately it did not get rid of my travel bug. In fact, I want to go to South Africa even more now. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and I will see you tomorrow.