Nine-banded armadillo

Scientific name:Dasypus novemcinctus

Fact: The Nine-banded armadillo uses its sharp claws for digging and not defending its self.

length: Body up to 32 inches and the tail up to 14 inches

Weight:12-15 pounds
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Lifespan:12-15 years

Natural habitat: South-central and Southeastern parts of the US. Central America to South America, Peru, and Uruguay also in the Caribbean.

Sexual maturity: 6-12 months

Gestation:120 days

Litter: Always 4 identical young of the same sex

Predators: Coyote, Bobcats, Cougars, Wolves, bears, Raccoon and Large birds of prey 

Diet: Insects, small animals, birds, eggs, fruit, roots and carrion

Interesting facts: The only armadillo of the species able to swim. It does this by filling its intestines and stomach with air which helps it float. Also with small streams it can walk on the bottom by holding its breath. Using its tongue armadillos can eat 40,000 ants in one feeding. The name armadillo comes from the word armado which means one that is armed. When digging for prey they avoid getting dust in their nose by holding their breath for 6 minutes. Their armor is a bunch of hard bone scales.

Endangerment status: common