Kangaroos are recognized for their powerful hind legs. These limbs are essential for their distinctive hopping locomotion and serve as a formidable means of defense.
Reasons For Kicking
Kangaroos primarily use their powerful legs for defense against perceived threats. When faced with predators like dingoes, or even humans, a kangaroo’s instinct is to protect itself.
Territorial disputes among kangaroos, particularly between males, also frequently involve kicking. Males engage in sparring and fighting to establish dominance within their social groups, known as mobs. These contests for dominance are crucial during mating season, as the most dominant male typically secures breeding rights. Kicking, along with grappling and boxing with their forepaws, helps determine hierarchy and resolve conflicts.
The Force of a Kangaroo Kick
The incredible power of a kangaroo’s kick comes from the unique anatomy of its hind legs. These marsupials possess exceptionally strong leg muscles, specifically the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius, which are honed for efficient hopping and powerful bursts of speed. Long, elastic tendons in their legs act like springs, storing and releasing significant energy with each movement, contributing to their powerful kicks.
A kangaroo’s kick is not merely a push; it is a rapid, forceful impact capable of causing substantial harm. Red kangaroos, for instance, can deliver a kick with a force of approximately 759 pounds. Some sources indicate a force of up to 850 pounds. This force can result in serious blunt force trauma, including broken bones, particularly ribs, and internal injuries such as punctured lungs or lacerated livers. The sharp claws on their hind feet can also inflict deep lacerations and, in rare cases, disembowelment.
When delivering a powerful kick, a kangaroo often balances on its strong, muscular tail, using it as a crucial counterbalance and a “third leg.” This stability allows the animal to free both hind legs, enabling them to deliver a forward or downward kick with maximum force and accuracy. Larger male kangaroos, often referred to as “boomers” or “old men,” typically possess the most powerful kicks due to their greater size and muscle mass.
Preventing Encounters and Staying Safe
Minimizing the risk of a negative encounter with a kangaroo involves understanding their behavior and respecting their wild nature. It is always important to maintain a safe distance and never approach or attempt to feed wild kangaroos. Feeding kangaroos can habituate them to humans, leading them to expect food and potentially become aggressive if their expectations are not met.
If a kangaroo appears to be aggressive or approaches you, it is advised to back away slowly without turning your back. Avoiding sudden movements and direct eye contact can help prevent the animal from feeling threatened. If a male kangaroo displays dominance behaviors, such as arching its back or standing tall, adopting a submissive posture by crouching down and making a short, low cough can signal non-aggression. If an attack occurs, dropping to the ground, curling into a ball, and protecting your head and neck with your arms is recommended.
Kangaroos are most active during dawn and dusk, so exercising caution when driving in areas known to have kangaroo populations during these times is important. If a kangaroo is on the road, it is safer to slow down and brake rather than swerving, as swerving can lead to more serious accidents.