Why do kangaroos sometimes use water when escaping dogs?

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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.

When pursued by dogs, kangaroos often retreat to water as a defensive strategy. Once in the water, they have been observed turning to face their pursuers and using their forepaws to press the dogs beneath the surface in an attempt to drown them.1

This behavior is one of several defensive tactics employed by these marsupials. While they are capable of fighting on land by gripping an attacker with their forepaws and delivering powerful kicks with their clawed hind feet, the use of water provides a tactical advantage against canine predators.1