What Is This?

04-01-2003 // NWF Staff
Photo of armadillos balled up

PHOTO BY MARK PAYNE-GIL

ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE? These "hairy pumpkins" are three-banded armadillos from South America. There are 20 species of armadillos in the world, and each wears a tough, shell-like coat of armor. When hungry predators attack, this armor can act as a shield. But the three-banded armadillo is the only species that can curl into a tight ball.

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