Kangaroo Fleeting Foot Facts
- Kangaroos are a part of the macropod family. Macropod means big feet, perfect right?
- The front limbs of a red kangaroo are small and short with five heavily clawed digits (fingers).
- Kangaroos are flight animals, meaning they are more likely to hop away than turn and attack. They use their powerful legs and feet to escape predators.
- Male kangaroos use their legs and feet to defend themselves and fight for females. Standing up on their hind limbs, they attempt to push their opponent off-balance by jabbing him or locking forearms.
- If the fight escalates, they will begin to kick each other. Using their tail to support their weight, kangaroos deliver kicks around the sensitive belly area with their powerful back legs.
- The Red Kangaroo can travel at speeds as fast as 65kph (40mph).
- The red kangaroo can jump six feet (1.8 meters high).
- The hind foot of the kangaroo is long and narrow with 4 digits (digit I is absent). Digits II and III are extremely slender and delicate, together forming what is essentially a single functional toe; digit IV is the large, weight-bearing digit; and digit V, the most lateral, is slightly smaller than digit IV. Ivis.org (sighted 5th May 2012)
This is a great You Tube clip of kangaroos using their hands and feet for fighting.
This You Tube clip shows a perfect close up of their feet. Watch them hop!
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