How Does the Ord's Kangaroo Rat Protect Itself?

Janine's drawing of kicking sand.

The kangaroo rat protects itself in many ways. First, the kangaroo rat hides in its burrow when it is too cold or too hot. Second, the kangaroo rat is completely nocturnal and will only hunt for food when it is very dark. The darkness protects the kangaroo rat from some of its predators. Third, it foot drums to tell predators to go away and find a prey that hasn’t already heard them. Fourth, it kicks sand in predators’ faces to make predators go away. This is one protection it uses against snakes. Fifth, it has good hearing. Its middle ear can hear owls flying or a snake slithering. One of its most important defences is hopping away from its enemies in 2 meter jumps that follow very unpredictable patterns.

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