Which animal is known to be a good jumper and escape artist when handling?

The correct choice, the gerbil, is recognized for its agility and ability to jump. Gerbils exhibit a natural tendency to explore their environment, and this includes jumping as part of their behavior. When handling gerbils, their energetic and curious nature can make them appear like escape artists, as they may easily leap out of hands if not securely held. This characteristic means that special care must be taken while handling them to prevent escapes and ensure their safety.

In contrast, hamsters and guinea pigs are less adept at jumping. Hamsters tend to have a more grounded lifestyle and are not known for jumping high distances. Guinea pigs are generally more docile and spend most of their time on the ground; they do not have the same jumping ability as gerbils. While ferrets are also agile and can escape from enclosures, they are more known for their sneaky ways and climbing behaviors rather than being jumpers like gerbils. Therefore, gerbils stand out as the animal specifically recognized for their impressive jumping ability in handling scenarios.