Probably a female protecting the kids.
As prey animals, they're quick to run from any sign of danger, but when it comes down to protecting family they have no fear. Mine runs and hides from strangers in the house, but on the rare occasions when he really feels like there's big trouble (all false alarms thankfully) he plants himself firmly between the source and me (or my wife) and give us a *thump* to tell us to go hide while he takes care of business.
He would totally kick snake ass for us.