Originally brought over as pets from Africa during the days of slave trade, mongooses (not mongeese) now run rampant in Barbados
The Mongoose is a type of rodent with a body about the size of a rat with a very pointy nose and a long bushy tail, much like a squirrel. Mongooses are very quick animals and are often wary of human beings. If a mongoose is ever caught or feels he is in imminent danger, he makes a horrifying screeching noise.
Due to its thick protective hide, easily camouflaged colouring and quick, sudden movements, mongooses are excellent at catching and killing snakes quickly and efficiently. This is the reason that you will not find any snakes in Barbados, we are so overrun with mongooses that the snakes do not stand a chance; the mongooses took care of those years ago.
It’s very unlikely that you will ever stumble across a mongoose during your stay in Barbados, but just take a drive through the country, particularly St. Lucy or St. Philip and you are bound to see at least one scamper across the road in front of your car.
Mongooses are forbidden in Canada and the U.S. amongst other countries because of their aggressive and destructive nature and also because, like most rodents, they are prone to carrying many infectious diseases.
If you do happen to see a Mongoose while in Barbados do not try to approach it or to pet it.
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