Mongooses stir up fear and folklore on Kauai

By Lee Cataluna

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, May 27, 2012

~~<p>On Kauai, the mongoose has taken on almost a legendary status in local lore. Mongoose sightings are up there with wallabies in Nuuanu and the white lady in Iao Valley — as real as the wallabies, as feared as the lady ghost.</p>
<p>Mongooses (such an awkward plural noun, but not as bad as mongeese) are a topic that can fuel a backyard beer party for an hour. Everyone claims to have seen one or to know someone who saw one. Every so often, one of the sightings makes it into the news media. Traps are set. Maybe a couple of angry chickens get caught. Then the mongoose fervor subsides for a bit.</p>
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On Kauai, the mongoose has taken on almost a legendary status in local lore. Mongoose sightings are up there with wallabies in Nuuanu and the white lady in Iao Valley — as real as the wallabies, as feared as the lady ghost.

Mongooses (such an awkward plural noun, but not as bad as mongeese) are a topic that can fuel a backyard beer party for an hour. Everyone claims to have seen one or to know someone who saw one. Every so often, one of the sightings makes it into the news media. Traps are set. Maybe a couple of angry chickens get caught. Then the mongoose fervor subsides for a bit. Login for more...