Armadillo

An armadillo is a mammal that is related to the anteater and sloth. The word armadillo means "little armored one" in Spanish.National Georgraphic:Armadillo Native to South America, the armadillo appeared in the United States about 150 years ago and has been seen as far north as Texas and Oklahoma.The Humane Society Of The United States: Armadillos

The armadillo is covered with bony plates, has small eyes and a long, pointy snout.National Geographic: Armadillo The armadillo's midsection has bands which overlap each other and are connected by hairless skin.Animal Diversity Web: Nine-Banded Armadillo The armadillo's shell does not directly protect the animal from a predator's attack, but it does make it more difficult for a predator to drag the armadillo out of its burrow. When the armadillo is coiled up the shell makes it difficult for a predator to get a good grip on it.The Humane Society Of The United States: Armadillos

An armadillo's tunneling, burrowing and feeding habits all may disrupt gardens or landscaped areas.The Humane Society Of The United States: Armadillos There is evidence that armadillos are responsible for the loss of poultry eggs from chicken farms.Internet Center For Wildlife Damage Management: Armadillos

Armadillos can be infected by the bacteria that causes leprosy While this may pose a risk to humans, it hasn't be definitively established that armadillos can transmit the disease.Internet Center For Wildlife Damage Management: Armadillos

The armadillo is used in medical research on multiple births, organ transplants, birth defects and some diseases. Armadillos eat many harmful insects and are a food source in Latin America and the southern United States.Animal Diversity Web: [Animal Diversity Web: Nine-Banded Armadillo

• Quizmoz: Armadillo Facts Quiz

• Armadillos-For-You.com: The Fun Place To Meet The Amazing Armadillo

• JanBrett.com: Learn To Draw An Armadillo

• AnimalTrail.com: Armadillo Puzzle Pictures

• Color Me Good: Free Armadillo Coloring Pages

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