Jumper is the Coates family’s mule. Named “Jumper” because of his incredible jumping skills, he’s is a docile and easygoing animal who gets tired easily and hates doing too much work. Jumper’s laziness sometimes annoys Travis—yet Jumper is always ready when Travis needs him most, such as when Old Yeller gets mauled by wild hogs, and Travis and Mama rig a sling so that Jumper can drag Old Yeller back home.