Leap for Leaping Animals

Today is February 29, Leap Day.  In recognition of this day, a day that comes around only once every 4 years, I wanted to highlight animals that leap, jump, hop, and all things related.

So, why do animals leap, jump, or hop?

Some do so to get from one place to another.  An animal that does this is the kangaroo.

Animals can hop, or stot, to flee predators.  An animal that does this is the gazelle.

For those that do the attacking, animals can pounce to catch their prey.  An animal that does this is the lynx.

Animals can jump because of migration.  Salmons do this during their salmon run upstream to spawn.

Animals can jump to communicate.  Whales jump, or breach, and it's always quite the sight to see.

Happy Leap Day!