NOTE: To this date only Males of this species have been seen. The Females are extremely well hidden, and no nesting areas have been found despite our best efforts in tracking them.
Average Height: 2 feet to 3 feet tall, in rare exceptions 4 feet.
Average Weight: Approximately 40 to 60 lbs.
Average Life span: Insufficient data at this time, we have yet to see an infant of the species, it is hypothicised that the fur color lightens with age from a very dark to a fiery red. The smaller specimins are darker the largest on record, named "Big Red" by Como. Turner was 4'3" and a violent red.
General Apperance: Roughly bipedal, they often stand errect on two feet. They have three sets of limbs, and a long tail that appears to be used as an additional limb. The back set of limbs are used exclusively as legs while the middle set of limbs is used interchangably as either hands or feet. The front set of limbs is also occasionally used as feet when in fast motion, but is more commonly used to manipulate simple tools. Each hand on the front and middle limbs contains three fingers and one opposable thumb. The creatures have four eyes above a flat nose and mouth containing sharp teeth.
General Characteristics: These creatures show signs of a rudimentary intelligence and a limited ability to use simple tools. They are extremely curious and have a tendancy to be constantly underfoot. The creatures have never been observed to harm a colonist or Starfleet member, however they are fierce hunters and are the main predator of the Gi-Ants. They hunt in packs and are very coordinated. They use simple tactics despite using no apparent form of communication. Occasionally they will make chittering noises and when aggitated they will scream and babble. The Universal Translator has so far been unable to make sense of the sounds and it is unlikely that there is coherent sense. There is a theory that these creatures communicate telepathically, however no contact has been made by any race, be they Vulcan or Betazoid. In fact the Betazoids are unable to sense any emotions from them at all, a possible sign of mental shielding. Their motivations are unknown, however Starfleet has deemed them benevolent.
The creatures have appeared to adopt certain Colonists and Military folks. They are very protective of the people they are around. They will dissapear into the jungle for a couple of days at a time, in theory to visit their families, but they always return and are able to enter the dwellings of those they have addopted, it appears to be extremely difficult to lock them out.
More information as we study this species.
