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How do kangaroos use biting and kicking in fights?

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Red kangaroos on the move — kangaroo A group of red kangaroos (*Macropus rufus*) using their powerful hind legs and feet to hop.

Kangaroos utilize biting, kicking, and boxing as both a defense mechanism against predators and a means for males to establish dominance during the mating season.12

When fighting, kangaroos use their agile forepaws to grip or grapple their opponents—a behavior that can resemble a hug—to stabilize themselves. While maintaining this grip, they often lean back on their tails, which function as a third leg to provide the balance and power necessary to deliver forceful kicks with their large, clawed hind feet. In addition to these kicks, they may bite or attempt to gouge their opponent's eyes.132

This combination of balance and strength is highly effective; when used defensively against predators like dogs, these powerful kicks have been known to cause severe injury.12