A chkariya (or ch'kariya) was a small burrowing animal lifeform, a mammal native to the planet Vulcan. It resembled a Terran weasel, with pale skin, sparse hair, and two large forepaws with six razor-sharp claws which it used to climb and dig. These burrowing animals were active during the day, often foraging for food to maintain a high metabolic rate. Chkariya relied largely on plant roots for nourishment, but also ate fruit, carrion, and the occasional small animal. (ENT novel: Surak's Soul)