The desert rat was captured dealing out a brutal ninja-style kick that flung the deadly reptile away. Researchers were previously confused as to how the tiny creature often managed to come out of conflicts with larger, deadlier predators apparently unscathed. Using high-speed cameras placed in common hunting and feeding areas, a University of California Riverside (UCR) research team was able to record how the kangaroo rat interacts with free-ranging rattlesnakes, known for their deadly strikes.

Whilst scientists had guessed that the tiny rodent was capable of quick, slick dodging, what they found took them by surprise.

Rulon Clark, an associate professor of biology at San Diego State University and a co-author on the research papers, said: "The serpent [was left] biting nothing but dust as the kangaroo rat rocketed 7-8 body lengths into the air.

“In perhaps the most surprising finding of our research, kangaroo rats that did not react quickly enough to avoid the strike had another trick up their sleeves.

“They often were able to avoid being envenomated by reorienting themselves in mid-air and using their massive haunches and feet to kick the snakes away, ninja-style."