Some days I come across a lot of Armadillos. It seems that there is a unique pattern of weather that brings these little armored mammals out in droves. I haven’t quite put my finger on what it is yet, but there is a combination of sun, temperature, wind, and rain that Armadillos really prefer.
Last Saturday was just such a day, and I encountered over a dozen Armadillos as I hiked through River Legacy park in Arlington, Texas. If I stopped and listened, I could hear even more rooting through the leaf litter behind the privet groves.
At one point, I entered a clearing where three Armadillos were going about their business. This presented a great opportunity to observe these interesting animals.
As I have documented here on many occasions, Armadillos do not have the best situational awareness. Their eyesight and hearing are poor, and I’m not that impressed with their sense of smell either. If you are reasonably discreet you can walk right up to them and they will never know you are there. Sometimes, even when alerted to a presence, the Armadillo does not have the capacity to detect the source of danger, even at close range.
Thank goodness they have that armor for protection!
Wow! I never saw armadillos in North Texas when I lived there. Fantastic photos. Love the shot of that poor guy up on his hind legs peering and sniffing.
He looks like he could use a pair of spectacles, don’t you think?
Aww!!!! Soooo cute 🙂
Love these guys. Wish I had the ability to observe them in nature too. They are amazing prehistoric creatures. Love the hairy chins.