The Macropods ("Big Feet") are a group of marsupials that includes the kangaroos, wallaroos, and wallabies - there really isn't a clear distinction between those species, except basically size. These animals are famous around the world for two things. One is their pouches, but all marsupials have pouches (though they're probably more easily seen and noticed in these species, which are more bipedal). The second is their hopping.
No other large mammal locomotes the way a kangaroo does. In fact, kangaroos can't walk - they just hop. Hopping is a fascinating way of moving around - after pushing off with their tail, they hit the ground with both feet, each bounce powered by the previous one. It takes a bit more energy to get started than walking does, but once they're on the go, it's one of the most efficient methods of travel for any land mammal. (They're also surprisingly good swimmers, but that need not occupy us now).
Perhaps because it's energy-intensive to get started, kangaroos are inclined to rest and not hop unless they need to - when they do get up, they tend to do a few short little shuffles. Most of the times I've seen one hopping full speed it's when they've been startled by something - like me. Trying to catch them for one reason or another. I try not to chase them. It's hard and stressful on the animals. It's hard and stressful on me. There's usually a better way, but sometimes it has to be done.
Thankfully, hopping kangaroos in an enclosure tend to make circuits along the same predictable routes, which makes it easy to predict where they are going. The easiest way to stop them is to snag the tail as they hop by, then hold on for dear life - a big boomer can pull you off your feet with the momentum. Likewise, kangaroos need to push off with the tail to start hopping, so your easiest bet is to sidle up to one before it gets going and get your hands on the tail ASAP.
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