What animal can't walk backwards?

A kangaroo cannot walk backwards in the ordinary sense. Its large hind legs, elongated feet, and powerful muscular tail are specialized for forward hopping and make reverse walking mechanically impractical. Kangaroos move their hind legs together during hopping rather than alternating them like a typical walking mammal, while the tail helps balance and propel the body.

At slow speeds, a kangaroo uses a distinctive “pentapedal” gait: it places its forelimbs and tail on the ground, then swings its hind legs forward. The tail functions as a weight-bearing fifth limb and contributes substantial propulsive force. That arrangement is excellent for moving forward but gives the animal little ability to step backward normally.

The statement is a useful quiz shortcut, but it is not an absolute claim that no backward movement is possible. Kangaroos may shuffle, pivot, or make small backward hops, especially during fighting or maneuvering. Tree-kangaroos are also more flexible and do not fit the popular claim as neatly. The familiar saying mainly describes large ground-dwelling kangaroos such as red and eastern grey kangaroos.