Isn’t that just a cat’s b-

you know, I’m not gonna finish that thought.

This actually gives me anxiety. I imagine getting stuck that way.

Now see that gerbil, grab that tube

This is why I am against animal testing. I can’t believe NASA would do that.

We need doge to wipe out NASA’s funding.

/s

It looks as though it was a controlled descent. The arms are tucked in to reduce its upper body width. The leg hangs on long enough to ensure going through head first. The second picture might even be a kick to really force the orientation of travel.

If you are a creature who is falling through a hole, maybe going head first is a pretty good tactic. Once you get to the bottom, you can crawl forward, possibly burrowing along the ground under the fabric as you crawl.

The alternative of your rear end facing down and your body folded in on itself could have meant getting stuck. Ingenious creature.