These cute little critters are true team players. They live in groups of 20-30, and a few usually serve as lookouts, gazing at the sky for hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey that can snatch them from the ground. They use a sharp, shrill call to alert the group to take cover if danger arises.

While a couple of guards watch over the group, the rest typically keep themselves busy foraging for food. Meerkats aren’t picky eaters. They are good hunters and can devour insects, lizards, birds, and fruit. When hunting, they work together and coordinate their actions with purring sounds.