
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Rabbits have very powerful back legs that are used in various ways. When rabbits are excited they jump, twist and kick out their back legs. In the case that they feel threatened they use their large back legs to thump on the ground. While running away from predators cottontails run in a zig zag formation to confuse the animal. They also freeze when near brown areas such as a forest or dirt to attempt to blend in and escape predation.
https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/979/8-cool-things-you-should-know-about-rabbits

Top photo: NPS | N. Lewis
Bottom photo: Grayson Smith/USFWS.