Nine-banded Armadillo

Description:

This is a nine-banded armadillo and is the only species of armadillo that lives in the United States. They have bony plates that cover the back, head, legs, and tail. Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear such shells. They have a pointy or shovel-shaped snout and small eyes. Armadillos have poor eyesight but a strong sense of smell. They live in temperate and warm habitats. Cold is their enemy, and spates of intemperate weather can wipe out whole populations. Most species dig burrows and sleep up to 16 hours per day, foraging in the early morning and evening for beetles, ants, termites, and other insects.

Habitat:

This nine-banded armadillo was spotted in the St Bernard State Park campground. There are several of them in this park because of evidence of their digging all over the grounds. Plus, we have seen several while walking the dogs after dark.