The snake encircled by over 20 mongooses could only endure the blows and look for an opportunity to escape instead of fighting back.
The mongoose attack on the snake.
Tourist Pierre Nel witnessed a rare attack by a pack of mongooses on a snake in Marloth Park, South Africa, as reported by Latest Sightings on April 24. According to Nel, he and his wife were drawn in by the distinct hissing and whining sounds echoing through the quiet night. They used their phone flashlights to illuminate the area and discover the source of the noise, only to be surprised by the sight of over 20 furious mongooses growling and attacking the snake.
The mongooses launched continuous attacks from all angles. Some rushed in to bite while others clawed at the snake. In contrast, the snake did not attempt to retaliate. It seemed to realize it stood no chance of fighting back due to being overwhelmingly outnumbered and overpowered.
The mongooses were fiercely protecting their family, particularly the young ones. They showed no fear of the snake whatsoever. Several bold members of the pack faced the snake’s dangerous head and fangs to strike while the others kept biting at its body. The banded mongoose is often preyed upon by many predators. Due to their small size, they rely on their numbers to exert strength. Sometimes, they will not cease their attacks until the threat is dead or has fled.
(Video: Latest Sightings).
After enduring the assault for a while, the snake realized it was likely to die if it did not escape. Therefore, it crawled to a small branch on the forest floor and tucked itself in, using it to protect its head from the mongoose bites while its body remained exposed. As soon as the mongooses paused for a moment, the snake seized the opportunity and fled into the dense bushes. The pack of mongooses gathered and watched until the snake completely disappeared before retreating.
Banded mongooses are about the size of a cat, measuring approximately 30 to 46 cm in length, with a tail length of around 30 cm, according to the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. They typically feed on insects. The diet of banded mongooses mainly consists of millipedes and beetles, but they also eat birds, eggs, snails, fruit, and snakes. This species is highly social, living in groups averaging about 20 individuals led by a dominant male. Even when foraging alone, they share some common responsibilities such as defending against predators and hunting snakes.
When faced with a threat, the pack will gather and coordinate their defense to protect the vulnerable members. Their boldness and cooperative behavior make mongooses formidable adversaries. Any predator attempting to prey on a member of the pack is sure to contend with the rest.
Banded mongooses can employ a defensive tactic known as “mobbing”, where the entire group forms a tight circle and takes turns attacking the predator, moving in unison and vocalizing to appear as a formidable foe.
