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Kangaroos

This Science Minute was researched and written by Skyler K. of Groton, NY.

Kangaroos leap at top speeds to escape danger, but only their powerful hind legs touch the ground as they leap from place to place! To move faster, they keep their front legs out of the way, holding them close to their chests. And to keep balance they keep their tails up off the ground. When traveling quickly a kangaroo is in the air about 70% of the time.

In an emergency, kangaroos can reach speeds of 43 miles per hour, but they can't keep it up for long. At slower speeds of, say, 12 miles per hour, kangaroos can stay hopping for hours.

Kangaroo feet are good for more than just speed. Most kangaroos have four toes on their hind feet. The two inside toes are joined, making a handy grooming tool. Kangaroos use this "comb" to scratch behind their ears. Their extra-long middle toe has a sharp nail, which they use as a weapon during fights.

Who knew kangaroos were so interesting?