Stotting

Stotting (also pronking or pronging) is a behavior of quadrupeds, particularly gazelles, where they spring into the air by lifting all four feet off the ground simultaneously. Usually the legs are held in a relatively stiff position and the back may be arched with the head pointing downward. Many explanations of stotting have been proposed; there is evidence that at least in some cases it is an honest signal to predators that the prey animal is not worth pursuing.