The Fossa — A Fast Climber and Great Hunter
The fossa is an animal from Madagascar. It looks a little like a big cat with a long tail, but it is special all by itself.
Where it lives
The fossa lives in the forest on the island of Madagascar. It can live high in the trees or on the ground.
How it climbs and runs
- Long tail: The fossa uses its long tail like a balance pole so it does not fall when it walks on branches.
- Strong body and legs: It can jump far and run quickly on the ground.
- Flexible ankles and sharp claws: These help it climb up and down trees, even head-first, and hold on to branches.
How the fossa hunts — step by step
- Look and listen: The fossa watches and hears for animals it can eat, like lemurs.
- Sneak closer: It moves quietly so the other animal does not see it coming.
- Pounce: When it is close, the fossa jumps or runs fast to catch the animal using its claws and teeth.
- Works in trees and on the ground: The fossa can catch animals up in the trees or on the forest floor.
Fun facts
- The fossa can be as long as a medium-sized dog if you count its tail.
- It is one of the strongest hunters on Madagascar.
- Sometimes it hunts during the day and sometimes at night.
Would you like to pretend to be a fossa? Try walking on a low beam or curb with your arms out like a tail to practice balancing — be careful and have an adult nearby!