Jo Ellyn Watson, age 8, of Florence, S.C., for her question:

COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT THE MONGOOSE?

Although not much bigger than a squirrel, the mongoose is so quick he can kill a poisonous cobra. He has been introduced in many parts of the world to control rats, but the United States has strict restrictions regarding his entry. This rejection has nothing to do with the mongoose's appearance, which is handsome, but rests on his bad habit of preying on beneficial animals and insects.

The mongoose is a member of the family Viverridae, and his close    relatives include the catlike civet, the ring tailed genet and the binturong,     or "bear cat."    To see a real live mongoose, you would need to visit such places as Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, Puerto Rico or Hawaii.

Many countries have brought the mongoose into their environs because he devours rats at a prodigious rate, but his liking for poultry, wild birds and other helpful animals has kept him out of the United States. Entry by permit, however, is granted if the mongoose is kept in captivity for exhibition or scientific study.

Visitors of zoos where a mongoose or two resides have a rare treat in store. Somewhat resembling a weasel, he has a tapering head, pinkish face and a tail almost as long as his body. Usually weighing about 16 pounds, his fur is often shaded with light and dark rings, giving him a salt and pepper appearance, Easily tamed, he delights crowds with clever antics and comical poses.

The mongoose, unlike most of his relatives, is active during the day. Although he captures rodents and other small animals regularly, he is perhaps most famous for killing and eating poisonous snakes. In this case, his lightning speed is vital, for if the snake succeeds in biting him, the mongoose usually dies.

The habits and appearance of the numerous mongoose species vary. Some dine mostly on insects, while others prefer small animals. Many dig burrows and live in pairs or small groups. Others wander about in large, gypsy like colonies, occupying abandoned burrows. Some mongoose burrows are even shared with other animals, such as squirrels. One species, the West African water mongoose, lives mainly in swampy areas and around rivers. Although he has no webbing between his toes, he is an excellent swimmer and diver. His menu includes treats from the water as well as the shore, such as frogs, crabs, eggs, birds and snakes.

The tiniest mongoose is the African dwarf mongoose. Only 15 inches long, he too hunts snakes, although most of his diet comprises spiders, insects, snails and lizards.

Depending on the species, a mongoose may have a coat of yellow orange, grayish chestnut, speckled black or ringed black and white fur. The fur may be very short and dense, long and silky or even short and prickly.

Big, bright, shiny eyes provide the mongoose with excellent eyesight, and his small rounded ears hear very well. Usually he minds his own business but, if threatened, will defend himself fiercely with sharp claws and teeth.