They prey on insects, lizards, birds and small mammals,
and are often found hunting for insects in the company of
baboon. They love birds' eggs and crack them by pitching
them backwards through their hind legs against a rock or
stone (the Dwarf Mongoose has a similar habit). Banded mongoose
are very courageous creatures and a troop will attack a
poisonous snake. When they are cornered by a predator, they
spit like a cat and put up a defence. When they are at home,
the female dominates the male.
Banded Mongoose live in troops averaging 30 individuals,
and sometimes large colonies of up to 75. They can be heard
from a distance as they march across their territory foraging
for food: the rustling of grass, scratching of earth, and
constant twittering help to locate them.
