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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Nine-banded Armadillo

From Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:




We spotted this critter digging for grub today at Twin Points Recreation Area on #Skiatook Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. 

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, The Nine-banded Armadillo was originally native to South America, but now ranges as far north as Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Louisiana. Their distribution is often based on soil conditions, and they are not found where the soil is too hard to dig.

Similar in form to an anteater, the bony, scaled shell of the armadillo protects it from attacks by predators.

Armadillos are also insect-eating mammals and prolific diggers. They dig many burrows, as well as dig for food. The animal will not survive in areas where the soil is too hard to dig. Many other wildlife species use and benefit from abandoned armadillo burrows.

Although occasionally considered a nuisance by home owners, the armadillo's habit of digging up lawns is driven by its appetite for grubs, which can also harm lawns.

The armadillo eats insects and other invertebrates. They are skilled at digging for grubs and occasionally eat berries and bird eggs.

Click here for more information about Skiatook Lake and the surrounding area --> http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Locations/TulsaDistrictLakes/Oklahoma/SkiatookLake/PertinentData.aspx

~ Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

#Oklahoma #Texas #Kansas #Namethatcritter

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