subject: What Is A Armadillo [print this page] The armadillo is an animal that is related to the anteater. It lives in South America and Central America, and is sometimes found in Texas. The armadillo is an unusual animal. Its body is covered by a shell much like that of a turtle. This horny shell-like covering is not one piece, but is made up of several overlapping bands. The shell gives the armadillo almost complete protection from its enemies, but the armadillo has another way of protecting itself. It can very quickly dig itself into the ground and disappear from sight. It is almost impossible to pull an armadillo out of its burrow. It hangs on to the earth and roots with a fierce grip. The armadillo eats almost anything it can find. In addition to ants and other insects, it eats worms, grubs, small animals, snakes, root:, and leaves. The armadillo has short legs, but it can run very fast. It has a funny way of crossing a stream or river. It runs rapidly to the bank of the river, and then jumps as far as it can. As it lands on the water, air gets caught under its shell and helps the armadillo to float on top of the water. The armadillo is unusual in one other respect. There are nearly always four little armadillos in a litter.Armadillos have poor vision, but large eyes.Armadillos use their claws for digging and finding food, as well as for making their homes in burrows. They dig their burrows with their claws, only making a single corridor where they fit themselves.
