The kangaroos' short, forelegs are almost neglected when we compare them with the powerful hind-legs. Those hind-legs have tendons that act as a spring, which make the phenomenal leaps kangaroos are famous for accomplishing. Usually the hind feet have four toes, one of which has a sharp claw for defense. Their long, muscular tails are used for balance when sitting, walking, and leaping. The kangaroos' tough hide is covered with soft fur.
Females have an abdominal pouch.
The joey finds its way to the pouch unassisted where it resides for five to nine months. The pouch contains four mammary glands but only two of them are active at a time. The joey exits the pouch permanently at six to ten months depending on the species. The young continue, however, to suckle by sticking its head in the mothers pouch. This arrangement continues until the joey is twelve to eighteen months old.