mongoose

/ˈmɑŋɡus/
noun
  1. A small, agile carnivorous mammal that lives in Africa and Asia, known for its ability to kill venomous snakes.
    • Farmers in some regions keep mongooses to control rat populations.
    • On our safari, we spotted a mongoose standing on its hind legs to look around.
    • The mongoose darted forward and grabbed the cobra by the neck.