Kangaroo Rats Are Furry, Spring-Loaded Ninjas | Deep Look

Kangaroo rats use their exceptional hearing and powerful hind legs to jump clear of rattlesnakes - or even deliver a stunning kick in the face.
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As they forage, kangaroo rats need to continually scan the surrounding sandy environment for any predators - foxes, owls, and snakes - that could be anywhere. Once a well-camouflaged sidewinder rattlesnake strikes, aiming its venomous fangs at the furry seed-harvester, the kangaroo rat springs up, and away from the snake’s deadly bite, kicking its powerful hind legs at the snake’s face, and using its long tail to twist itself in mid-air away from the snake to safety.
Kangaroo have the uncanny ability to jump high at just the right moment. Biologists believe that this most likely comes from its keen hearing, which is 90 times more sensitive than human ears, allowing the rats to react in as little as 50 milliseconds.
In addition to their finely-tuned ears, the desert kangaroo rats’ highly-evolved musculature generates lots of force very quickly, resulting in jumps almost ten times their body height.
Muscles in kangaroo rats have a thick tendon, surrounded by large muscles, which translates directly to more power and a faster reaction time. With its powerful hind limbs, the kangaroo rat is also able to deliver a “black belt” kick to the jaw of the rattlesnake, sending the rattlesnake soaring to the ground, before landing away from the snake.
---+ Read the entire article on KQED Science:
www.kqed.org/science/1957226/...
--- Can a kangaroo rat survive without water in the desert?
The body of the kangaroo rat has evolved to be especially adapted to their harsh dry desert environments, so they are able to get all of their water from seeds they eat.
--- How high can a kangaroo rat jump?
Some kangaroo rats are able to jump as high as 9 feet, or approximately 10 times their body height.
--- Are kangaroo rats endangered?
There are 20 existing species of kangaroo rats. Six of these species are considered threatened. The two species featured in our episode, the Merriam’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) and desert kangaroo rat (Dipodomys deserti) are not endangered, and relatively common in the desert areas they are found.
---+ For more amazing slow motion videos of kangaroo rats and rattlesnakes, visit our friends at: www.ninjarat.org/
---+ Shoutout!
🏆Congratulations 🏆to these fans on our KZbin community tab who identified the special parts in a kangaroo rats' skull that make their hearing so exceptional... the tympanic or auditory bullae:
Lights, Camera, Ants
Rohit Kumar Reddy Reddy
Eric Fung
Hotaru
otakuman706
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#kangaroorat #rattlesnake #deeplook

[@CharlesSook]

Imagine some rats being sick of being eaten for millions of years, so they evolved legs specialized to drop kick snake.

[@ST0AT]

That's some long-term revenge

[@unkleRucker21]

Or some how mated with a kangaroo

[@MrOiram46]

There is a couple already, though they don’t drop kick snakes; it evolved into Honey Badgers and Wolverines

[@mohammadangginugrohomcjogja]

Tae Kwon Do Rat!

[@5577jeet]

Huh?

[@utubecomtw13]

This rat has the hearing power of my mother when I whisper something under my breath

[@KQEDDeepLook]

true

[@tenadefiant]

😂😂😂

[@The-Cat]

Key and Peele, "I said biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii_____"

[@tangraksmey7526]

wow what a powerful mom you got there

[@elisefication790]

And her reaction as fast as this rat dodging

[@Ratigan2]

Can we just admire how accurate that dust shot was "3:27" You can even see the snake coughing up some of it...

[@mrsmith7581]

That was pretty sick 👌🏼

[@dangdao8068]

I didn’t know snake can cough =O

[@mecusmecus1418]

Good job boy

[@CallMeMimi27]

Wild Raticate used sand attack! Wild Ekans acurracy lowered! Wild Raticate fled!

[@kristenswanepoel1449]

Lol

[@adripypy]

3:31 the snakes reaction is like some telenovela acting

[@thebabayega]

The snakes are paid actors

[@ycp4425]

Maldita lisiada !

[@5amH45lam]

Yep, I bet it talks in a deep, whispy, upper-class English accent - rather like Noel Coward - over-annunciating every word. You know, if snakes could talk, I mean. 🙄

[@thecaptain8629]

last moment was like "here, eat the dust"

[@noxDOTevolvedDOTgmai]

Mr. Rat haz pocket sand.

[@fossilgaming65]

He shall CoNsUmE the small rocks

[@guigolum]

Hey, they gonna get you too !

[@Dylan-hc2lu]

@@noxDOTevolvedDOTgmai Dale would be proud

[@inanefabas4402]

Bite the dust

[@shinigami1357]

Rattlesnake: I can strike within the blink of an eye Kangaroo Rat: Im going to pull what is called a pro gamer move

[@Michelleiscul]

I'm about to end this whole man's career, lol

[@tman5926]

That is a Cringe comment

[@Amandeep68Singh]

@@Michelleiscul u mean solid S N A K E

[@tedan28]

@@tman5926 overated comment

[@Ikoshi1769]

That's hilarious 😂😂😂

[@justabiscuit1794]

Imagine just walking around at night and suddenly this mouse jumps a meter into the air

[@Stoned_Pony]

After having watched this, I'd be afraid of the possible nearby rattlesnake.

[@quitlife9279]

And kicks you in the face!

[@pineapple3555]

or kicks you in the crotch lol

[@T1Oracle]

I know people who would have jumped two, and no they don't work out but in that moment they'd be superhuman.

[@sakurasfish2115]

Or wander the desert in the night and giant snakes strike you at blink speed (kang rat pov)

[@samarthmurkumbi]

Rattlesnake: ATTAC Kangaroo rat: YEET

[@KnownHatchet]

Samarth Murkumbi YEET

[@mookyfromdachi1681]

😂😂yeet

[@faizan_blue]

how tf is that funny?

[@qharemswagbola7159]

@@faizan_blue Because kids love saying autistic words.

[@louisefp1161]

@@faizan_blue Because people obviously have different humours.

[@mfroggy1819]

Rattle snake: This should be an easy meal Kangaroo Rat: tHiS sHoUlD bE aN eAsY mEaL

[@thehornwortofhornwort9832]

M Froggy18 underrated

[@mabel3425]

I can 100% see the spongebob rn

[@sxullzgxtzz2008]

@@mabel3425 army

[@NewMessage]

They make gerbils look like a YMCA kids karate class.

[@ynol4879]

*Y M C A*

[@fatherthornell8887]

*I SAID YOUNG MAN*

[@lolzxl9184]

Colossal Zombie Platoon Leader IT’S FUN TO STAY AT THE YMCA

[@niharikakrishna429]

*THERE'S NO NEED TO FEEL DOWN*

[@ilikepie4685]

*I SAID Y O U N G M A N*

[@ghostx4862]

Everybody gangsta until mice ninja kicks one of the world's deadliest reptile

[@lawrencecarr4973]

🤣🤣🤣😉😎

[@NurseOrysia1]

Ikr

[@usagiroxie]

2:50 I couldn't help but laugh at the snake's dramatic reaction from getting kicked to the ground.

[@JustADioWhosAHeroForFun]

Oh no *_Furry Ninjas_* _Such a terrifying choice of words_

[@godzilla_fan_13]

Agreed.

[@tubbyqueen]

...

[@icecookie2953]

I'm deceased

[@YeppyNope]

*The furries are evolving*

[@IHaveSpearHandslol]

And its a ninja in a fursuit with owo marks

[@chileplease960]

3:27 now thats what i call throwing shade

[@manryhood]

That rat was being petty and I LIVE for it.

[@bigperm079]

& sand

[@aditluth5031]

Straight up my favourite scene in youtube

[@SciFactsYT118]

Random fact: If you lift a kangaroo’s tail off the ground it can’t hop.

[@tubbyqueen]

I figured that out the hard way.

[@edntz]

If i ever find a kangaroo rat, i'll cut off its tail. I want my snek friends to eat well.

[@Vilonu]

@@edntz Back off >:(

[@minhuenial9251]

@@edntz I thought you were gonna make it a pet. You bad person. 😟

[@AngryKittens]

But it can still punch you in the face.

[@stoneforest2639]

As a snake lover, I love the reactions of the snakes. Just confusion and silent defeat, being kicked in the face.

[@captaint.tearex9279]

0:58 This really be a "bruh" moment for the snake

[@FungalTox]

Bruh

[@sawmill6358]

Bruh

[@InfinityGamingHere]

Bruh

[@ohhoneylavender]

Bruh

[@-k1ttysbl00d-6]

Bruh

[@joaquintettamanti5314]

3:25 Kangaroo rat used SAND ATTACK! It's super effective!

[@Dylan-hc2lu]

Ekans accuarcy fell

[@fishyfishyfishy500akabs8]

Ekans used Poison Fang! But it missed!

[@crawfy48]

1:00 high jump kick 1:13 double kick

[@joaquintettamanti5314]

I love you all pokefans

[@Helicondrummer]

I was looking for this comment lol

[@reyjovenmahinay8886]

RAT Capt. : so what exactly hapened out their? RAT Ninja: human scientist keep on throwing me near a rattle snake multiple times to let other human spy on our skills and technic in evasions.

[@onkelpappkov2666]

And why are you still alive? Because I am a ninja and I cannot be defeated. You SHOWED THEM? Sensei, I-- You bring dishonor to the clan. Now the humans will know how we steal their socks from their laundry.

[@Pyxis10]

RAT ninja: *Commits snekpukku*

[@lolbosss]

Humans:laughs in *flamethrower*

[@donnawoodman6249]

Onkel Pappkov You are too funny 😂

[@plokijum]

There* Kept* Technique*

[@andrewross8055]

2:51 *snake really got clapped by a rat*

[@clipsahoii]

On Jerry he got clapped

[@omidrastin3745]

Snake: so you are mine now. Rat: hold my explosive feet.

[@ago7578]

0:42 snake -come one man i was just yawning. 😦 why are you running.

[@HellsRaven4444]

I see these rats have mastered Ultra Instincts...literally.

[@SethiestSeth]

Well.. they are Shaggy's students after all.

[@weldonwin]

No, they have just learned the Wierding Way

[@camrendavis6650]

1:00 I like how this one not only Dodges the bite but kicks the snake in the head XD 🐍: I got You Now cheez boi! 🐁: *YEET!!!!*

[@resurgingflame]

I think u meant 1:15 lol

[@admindiary0721]

When my mom lights my bedroom at 5 a.m. And yelling "it's already noon" Me : Kangaroo rat Ninjutsu style

[@hokostudios]

What incredible acrobatics! The fact these guys can make their escape in a fraction of a second is truly incredible. Love these little guys.

[@sodiumchloride3081]

2:48 never mess with kangaroo rat

[@Hash242]

Rat: EAT MY DUSK SNEEKY Snake: Showoff...

[@bryy4272]

2:07 it started levitating HAHAHA

[@justicemay7874]

landing gear up.

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

VTOL Rat

[@user-ld1sn6ur5i]

He protecc He attacc Most importantly This snake will have dirt for his snacc

[@giapchin]

Kangaroo rats: Have milliseconds of reaction time Me: Potato in FPS games

[@charlesphilips2045]

Okay, so I never thought that I'd ever say this about a rat, but I'm very impressed by the abilities of the Kangarooo Rat.

[@haris_kekos]

Dont worry. Anyways its a mouse not a rat. The video's name is wrong

[@studyok6509]

Rattle snake -: tries to eat kangaroo rat. Kangaroo rat -: so you had choosen death

[@raptopase]

2:58 snake? SNAKE?! *SNAAAAAKE!!!!* *G A M E O V E R*

[@cupcakemcsparklebutt9051]

"IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!"

[@whoeverwhoever400]

literally?

[@psychedeliac]

He protecc.... He attacc.... But most importantly He's not a snacc

[@buxcutter]

*did anyone just watch one of these videos and they couldn’t stop*

[@Max-qf2hf]

*Rats see snake sitting peacefully in the distance* I'm gonna do what's called a pro-gamer move. *Kick dirt to snake*

[@JeremyFisher]

Ladies and Gentelmen i present to you The YEET rat

[@roller1815]

The REET

[@darrienxd_typical7230]

Yeeterson peterson rat

[@pham-ngochanh6161]

Reeet

[@Athena_2812]

Wow.... so beautiful..

[@disgustingoozeling2476]

Poor snake, literally bit the dust!

[@darulkhair701]

3:26 so that's "SAND-ATTACK" in real life pokemon

[@Megalith79]

Lauren has this innate knack of taking the most utterly terrifying things in nature - n make it sound completely adorable. This world *needs* more Laurens.

[@andrewv1671]

These little guys are so cute when seen in person. They look like little pikachus.

[@nelsona9381]

Rattle snake: 3...2...1 kangaroo ninja:I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye!! 3:25

[@accidentalengineering]

1:52 I'm really impressed by this animation, is that a CT scan?

[@pointedspider]

He threw that dirt right in that snakes face! Awesome!

[@joboo7143]

These are the coolest creatures out in the deserts of California. I've had three encounters with them and every time they seem tame and just want to hang out with people. All three times I was able to pick them up! Funny little creatures.

[@apollofell3925]

Because most hunts fail that I usually root for the predator. But, I'm equally won over by clever defense mechanisms. What a neat little rodent!

[@icecookie2953]

me dodging resposibilities

[@hanisrosli5484]

😅🤣🤣

[@Ki_Adi_Mundi]

_"What is the name of that little mouse? The one in the desert, the one that jumps?"_

[@weldonwin]

We call him Muad'dib...

[@cliprimate_EXtinted]

Jerry is that you?

[@samhaines8228]

Phenomenal footage!! To be able to study in detail an encounter that would otherwise be far too fast and cloaked in darkness for our unaided eyes is a real treat.

[@arminajeanvillacorta825]

Deep Look Videos are surprisingly high quality, detailed and educational. But they're underrated. 🙂

[@thegoodsmaster]

2:51 insert DBZ dodge and counter sound effect

[@fa779]

3:25 Snake: im hiding to attack Ninja Rat: Hold my dust

[@AryanSingh-yy9mw]

Well I found out that no one is admiring how beautifull and amazing is the narrator's voice, in the comment section.

[@Guydude777]

What a lovely, jumpy boy/gal. Thanks for showing this fella struttin' their stuff.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome.:-)

[@diegoattisani835]

Snake: you're gonna be my meal! Kangaroo rat: No, I don't think I will

[@vladimirandreevich]

So that's what's so cool about Muad'dib's name

[@shannonperez3779]

the graphics with the skeleton overlap on the little rat was so awesome, these videos are unmatched!

[@mtnbikr107]

I love her narration voice, makes these enjoyable to watch

[@jasmineebora8700]

See's thumbnail: its so cute See's the video: oh oh woah... yeah jump fight that snake fight... Still me:FIGHTTTTT

[@typhoeus3801]

what

[@thanhloctran4218]

Omg! Am I the only one who finds kagaroo rats so cute, and wants to have one as pet?

[@Kurisiti]

OAO That is so horrifying for the Kangaroo Rats! But that is so amazing to see them dodge the strikes like that!

[@darktyrannosaurus22]

Muad'Dib! Muad'Dib!

[@JBC352]

Omg I already knew kangaroo rats were amazing since they treat scorpion venom like painkillers, but those jumps and dodges were beautiful!!!

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

OH MY GOD THAT WAS AMAZING! THOSE SHOTS!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks Chelsea!

[@chassidythomas281]

I just love how they make these documentaries so interesting

[@bumblebee1265]

Imagine all rats on Earth have same legs 😂 They will kick us

[@MichaelMadlock]

To whoever named the video, the word ninja is best used without the S at the end. Japanese words are often plural when adapted to English without adding anything. You CAN add the S but it’s always better without. ANYWAY NICE VIDEO

[@onkelpappkov2666]

Also, it's probably a Kanga-Ronin.

[@fireandcopper]

The production quality is always top notch, thanks crew

[@chriswurst2656]

3:33 Another one bites the dust...

[@CampingAFK]

Snake: I will have you for dinner Kangaroo rat: I’m gonna put some dirt in your eyes

[@Storm_cryo]

These Mice are adorable!

[@SAMMIsLIFE]

Love these little guys, so cute! They resemble gerbils more than rats tho, shouldve called'em kangaroo gerbils, but i guess that doesn't sound as nice lol.

[@Solomon0424]

I thought the same as you

[@prncepuk3261]

Oh my god! It’s the jumping mice from Coraline! 😂😂😂

[@Toomuchbullshitt]

Ikr? 😂

[@lizcelmanese8464]

Interesting and cute!! First time to hear about this!! Thanks for the information!! ❤️

[@kennethsatria6607]

I love how it tucks its legs in midair XD

[@ithatan]

I wanted to just say thank you for your videos. Both my daughter and I love them. Stunning quality, pleasant narration, and very educational. If you're taking requests, I would like to learn more about turtles!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@otakuman706]

Oh and yay, I actually got a shout out! Didn't expect I'd even make it in time when I saw the post. Especially nice being from such a great channel that produces educational and entertaining content. Science communication ftw. Love the releases myself, and more importantly I think it's fantastic to see more content like this spread, and hopefully spark a love of science and learning in plenty of others. I hope to see more great stuff for a long time to come. 👍

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are most welcome, thanks for the kind words.

[@cherylchaison5085]

You never too old to learn more about nature this video showed me that

[@msilveiraarruda]

This was amazing, outstanding footage!

[@keysha4312]

"Comment that says 3 days ago" Me: "Timetravel"

[@tubbyqueen]

Or people from patreon

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our Patreon supporters get early access to our videos. If you want to support us visit www.patreon.com/deeplook. ;-)

[@tubbyqueen]

Called it

[@javierth1238]

@@tubbyqueen noice

[@cklounge2096]

Every time I see a jerboa I just lose my mind. They're the cutest things. Its really nice to learn more about them.

[@jesus7es7dios7]

the rat kicked the snake... wow.. the feet are everything for this cute little critter.

[@pretz6457]

Grasshopper Mouse: So you're coming right at me instead of running away? Rattlesnake: I can beat the sh** out of you without getting close *Rattlesnake tries to bite the Mouse* Grasshoppermouse: YA YEEET Rattlesnake: KONO POWAAAA

[@thebusinessguy0796]

Hello, I like these videos keep making them!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

We will!

[@tomasalvarezgarcia-blanco1412]

Nah, being able to hear the almost completely silent movement of the wings of an owl is crazy

[@mertgunes9854]

Incredibly well done, once more you deliver DeepLook

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you.

[@lawrencecarr4973]

@@KQEDDeepLook love your channel

[@1DInciner]

Su cute, by the way!)

[@bleerr2413]

1D_Inc video out 19 seconds ago and this comment is 3 days old? Huuuuh?

[@lizcelmanese8464]

@@bleerr2413 yes, confusing!! Time travelling at its finest!

[@drakonny3009]

Probably a different time setting on his phone

[@militaryliferoxanne]

Or Signed Up For Their Exclusive Ish So He Gets Vids Early? Idk

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our Patreon supporters get early access to our videos. If you want to support us visit www.patreon.com/deeplook. ;-)

[@michaelkartman3543]

This is amazing!!! How do you guys get these beautiful, cinematic shots??

[@robertklotz9319]

Night-vision-camera. Was said at the beginning. And what was not said, An enclosure like a big terrarium helps.

[@michaelkartman3543]

Robert Klotz I think I understood that part. How do you know it was shot in an enclosure if it wasn’t said? Though it seems to be the only feasible way to get something like this.

[@UncleSmithers]

@@michaelkartman3543 I think a lot of wildlife photography/videography entails studying these animals' habitats and then watching and waiting for a longgggg time

[@raeesazzel291]

*Few minutes of video takes months sometimes*🐧

[@oklu_]

What have I just seen..... It's amazing....

[@llomax1067]

The one dodge the bite and gave the snake a 2 piece on the way out.... The that threw dirt killed me😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Leo-nm1ne]

Rat: Dodges, and runs away Lauren: " SoMeTiMeS tHe BeSt DefEnSe is A GoOd OffEnSe"

[@josefroque5551]

Muad'dib!

[@Strawberrygremlins]

Tragic story, my aunt had one of these as a child. My very persian great-grandmother hated it and always tried to swat them at every chance because to her they were "nasty"

[@STAGISTODAY]

Kangaroo rats are, honestly and truefully, one of my faviorote animals. *They are the defenition of deadly adorable*

[@darthlazurus4382]

Muad'Dib!

[@richards3648]

Muad'Dib is wise in the ways of the desert.

[@mikshin9825]

I want a new film adaptation. 😢 Sadly it's religious accents would be negatively received in the current political climate.

[@richards3648]

@@mikshin9825 There is a new film adaptation coming out December

[@VioletWhirlwind]

That sounds so familiar to me, but I can't place the reference...

[@katiebug217]

I've been waiting for a new video for so long it feel yayayayayayay I'm so happy!! I love deep look

[@IloveGorgeousGeorge]

We had loads of these guys on a solar panel job I worked on in the desert in the middle of nowhere in California, they were so cute. They would hide under our stacked pallets of solar panels and breed lol. When we got to the bottom and moved the pallet, they would hop off to another hidey hole. Everybody loved seeing them