nine-banded armadillo

Description:

Since 1980, the nine-banded armadillo has made itself at home in Missouri, moving northward to and even across the Missouri River, according to a 1994 report. It has been rapidly expanding its range both north and east within the United States. The nine-banded armadillo is a solitary, mainly nocturnal mammal, found in many kinds of habitats, from mature and secondary rainforests to grassland and dry scrub. It is an insectivorous animal, feeding chiefly on ants, termites, and other small invertebrates. The armadillo can jump 90–120 cm straight in the air if sufficiently frightened, making it a particular danger on roads. They are also valuable for use in medical research, as they are one of the few animals susceptible to the human disease leprosy.

Habitat:

Observed in mixed forest habitat at Lake Springfield Park.

Notes:

A very fast moving animal, only the second live one I've seen although they constitute the most roadkills these days.