Doing the Walk with Mongoose in Kadri Park
Mangaluru: Picture a beautiful day with sparking sun, cloudless sky and a warm breeze, perfect for a walk at Kadri Park. You slip outside and breathe in the fresh air, lightly perfumed from neighbouring gardens. The only sounds are the crunch of gravel beneath your feet and the song of local birds in the treetops. You slowly meander your way through the park when suddenly you see something moving just off the path. At first you think it’s a small cat, or a raccoon or a meerkat, but upon closer examination you realize it’s not. You stop and watch mutely as the critter wanders out onto the path. It’s a mongoose, and there were two of them! And they ran across very close to my feet during my morning walk. Wish I had my camera with me to capture the moment. My camera and my smart phone go with me all the time, except during my morning walk.
You remain still and silent as the little mammals creep over the walkway and into the surrounding foliage. After a moment or two, you continue on your stroll, smiling to yourself and watching for any other signs of animal life. Animal encounters happen every day. With the expansion of cities, human and animal habitats are continuously overlapping. And while some stories don’t end happily-either for the animal, the human or both-most meetings are merely harmless but exciting glimpses from our world into theirs. I have come across stray dogs at Kadri Park, while taking a walk during early mornings or early evenings, but this was the first time that I came across mongoose- really cute and harmless ?
While I was walking with my friend, I saw this bulky, dark mass of fur ambling down the walk. At first, I thought it was a drenched cat, but it had a strange waddling gait and it was too big. Then I noticed the tail dragging behind it and thought it might be a lost meerkat, until the animal got into clear view and I could see the tail better. I still have no idea what that mongoose was doing in a city. Only, probably looking for a snake or a cobra !
This harmless yet memorable experience is typical of most encounters between people and their wild neighbours. However, there are a couple of rules to keep in mind should you chance upon an animal, the most important of which is keep your distance. By staying away, not only do you allow the animal to continue on with its task, but also you keep the animal and yourself safe from harm and stress. Never try to move in closer to take a picture, as you may startle the animal. Keep quiet and still, and if the creature runs away, allow it to go don’t follow it.
What animals keep snakes away – First of all, no common house pet will keep snakes away without special training, and even then, you put the animal at great risk. Few weeks back I noticed a mongoose right in our house compound-I bet it was looking for snakes. With all the vegetation around our house destroyed and used for building high-rise building, so all these creatures come crawling into our property, where there is lots of vegetation. I do have three dogs, but they don’t do a good job in catching snakes or other creepy animals.
Cats and dogs may do a decent amount of snake hunting, but they will not actively patrol your property just for snakes. You will have to take into account, too, the fact that any house pet exposed to snakes will also be prone to bite injuries. If you live in an area with venomous snakes, this can be disastrous. Pigs have been known to kill snakes, but again, these animals are not hunting the snakes, rather they are reacting instinctively and stomping the serpents when the opportunity presents itself.
The mongoose is a pet that does have special attributes specifically for snake hunting and killing. These weasel-like animals eat snakes, and have special genetic attributes that make them immune to venom. The mongoose is very agile and has a thick coat, making it a perfect combatant for snake wars. The downside to the mongoose is that it’s importation to countries where it is not native is strictly regulated. The diet of the mongoose makes it a habitat destroyer when it is introduced into new environments. The urine of a mongoose can be used to repel snakes with some efficacy, but this is also not available to the public.
I have learned from sources that -Another rule is never feed a wild animal. You will only make it dependent on humans for food, which is never good. Animals who depend on humans to feed them often lose their ability to forage or hunt, and they pass this dependency onto their young. Also, many of the foods people eat lack the nutritional value animals require. Some human food is even poisonous to wild animals. You wouldn’t feed your pet something you knew was harmful, and wildlife should be given the same respect.
When we appreciate nature, we can expect the same in return. Animals keep to themselves unless provoked. Should you run into a wild animal in your neighborhood, just remember to keep your distance, be still, and don’t try to feed it. And the next time you go for a walk, keep your eyes peeled for any signs of wildlife — after all, it’s all around us. If there are mongoose at Kadri Park, then probably there are snakes too. So, better watch out for Mongoose, and Snakes during your walking spree at Kadri Park.
Note : Pics for illustrations only