Jean Zvikas, age 12, of Williamsport, Pa., for her question:

WHAT IS A CIVET CAT?

The civet cats belong to warm jungle regions in various parts of the world. There are about 15 different species, most of them about four feet long plus a rather stringy 18 inch tail. They are clever, carnivorous mammals that look somewhat like weasels and mongooses, though 'they behave more like cats.

The average civet has a sharp, pointed face with a foxy expression. His legs are longish and rather skinny, while his lightish brown coat may be dotted or blotched with paler or deeper spots.  Sometimes he has a raccoon type mask around his eyes. He sleeps by day, usually in a deserted burrow. At night he comes forth to feed on a mixed menu of frogs, insects and assorted vegetable material. He is a great swimmer and tree climber  and when alarmed he utters a low growl.