Jared Picco2nd GradeMr. Saulino

Meerkats are small mammals who are most closely related to the mongoose. Meerkats can live 12 to 14 years.

An adult meerkat can grow to 12 inches or 1 foot tall and they can weigh 2 pounds.

The meerkats tail can grow to 8 inches long.

Meerkats eat insects (including poisonous scorpions), grubs, geckos, small rodents, snakes and various roots and fruits.

Meerkats have developed an immunity to scorpion stings that can paralyze a grown man or kill a child.

Meerkats live in rocky grasslands, intense heat and little rain. Meerkats live in burrows they dig in the ground for protection from other animals.

Meerkats form groups in order to survive. The meerkats will take turns guarding the rest of the group. When the guard sees a predator it will squawk to warn the group.

When a large predator threatens the group, the meerkats will band tightly together and fluff their fur to appear as a giant hissing animal to scare off the predator.

1. How old can meerkats live?2. What do meerkats eat?3. How do meerkats protect themselves

from large predators?