Maui's Mongoose

Mongoose: Hawaii's weasel.

Introduced to the Islands in the late 1800's to control the rats, also brought on ships. Good plan except mongoose are out in the day and rats are out at night. Hungry, the mongoose kills many of the native birds instead. Mongoose are on all the islands except Lanai and Kauai which might be why there are so many roosters on Kauai. 

Fun Facts:

• In groups females all give birth at the same time 
• One of four animals immune to snake bites - think of brave Rikki Tikki Tavi 
• Giggle during mating
• Responsible for over $50 million  in damages in Hawaii and Puerto Rico annually