Mongooses live about 8 to 13 years in captivity, depending on the species. The meerkat is a type of mongoose. It has a tapered snout, sharp teeth, short feet, and a long tail. It has sharp claws, which it uses to dig burrows, to scratch the ground for insects to eat, and to catch prey. The mongoose eats small animals, like snakes, rodents , frogs , and insects .
Some mongooses also eat eggs, fruit, seeds, and nuts.