Meerkat

=**Molly the Meerkat**=

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Molly has a pale face with large, expressive orange eyes. She has functional black legs and nice traction for all types of soil. She has very acute vision, enabling her to detect any threats to her brood of baby meerkats.

Often seen in groups, Meerkats stand on their rear legs and gaze alertly over the southern African plains where they live. Molly quite frequently is seen standing guard in isolation as she is very protective of her family.

Meerkats (also called suricates) work together in numbers. A few will typically serve as lookouts, watching out for predators like hyenas, hawks, and lions. A sharp, shrill call is the signal for all to take cover from the dangers above. Young meerkats are so fearful of predatory animals that even airplanes will send them diving for cover.

While a few individuals guard the group, the rest busy themselves foraging for the foods that make up their varied diet.

Meerkat groups utilize several different burrows and move from one to another. Each burrow is an extensive tunnel-and-room system that remains cool even under the broiling African sun.

Size relative to a 6ft (2m) man
 * Type**: Mammal
 * Diet:** Omnivore
 * Size:** Head and body, 9.75 to 11.75 in (25 to 30 cm); Tail, 7.5 to 9.5 in (19 to 24 cm)
 * Weight:** Less than 2.2 lbs (1 kg)