I was thrilled to see and photograph a Nine-banded Armadillo last week at Osage Hills State Park in Oklahoma. The last time I photographed one was in Florida. That would have been in 2009.
Nine-banded Armadillo close up at Osage Hills State Park – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1600, +0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
Until now, I hadn’t shared any Nine-banded Armadillo photos or created a photo gallery for these strange-looking mammals. Now I do. I’ll round up some of the photos I took of them in Florida when or if I find some spare time.
Nine-banded Armadillos have distinctive armor-like shells, consisting of bony plates covered in leathery skin. They have 9 visible bands (though this can vary from 8 to 11), a long snout, small eyes, large pointed ears, and short legs with strong claws.
These armadillos can do a lot of damage in yards and gardens when they dig for small invertebrates. They also eat some fruits, small reptiles, amphibians, and the eggs of ground nesting birds.
Nine-banded Armadillos are often called “armored possums” or “Texas speedbumps” due to their appearance and tendency to be hit by cars.
Adult Nine-banded Armadillo walking at Osage Hills State Park – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1600, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
The habitat at Osage Hills State Park must be great for Nine-banded Armadillos because we saw them quite frequently or we saw where they had been digging.
Seeing my first armadillo at the park was exciting—I could barely speak. I hopped out of the pickup and walked over to photograph the armadillo as quickly as I could. I’d been waiting months to have a live one in my viewfinder.
My friend and wonderful wildlife photographer Steve Creek shared some images and information about these fascinating creatures and the park on his site: Starting the New Year at Osage Hills State Park
I can barely wait to see and photograph more Nine-banded Armadillos!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Nine-banded Armadillo photos plus facts and information about this species. I’ll be adding more images to the gallery as I find more armadillos.
I’ve always wondered what the prehistoric cousin of the armadillo would have looked like. Some armored plated beast, no doubt, the size of a truck. Thanks Mia
How exciting. Never had the opportunity to see one. Maybe I’m due for a road trip to Oklahoma!
What fascinating critters they are. Like so many…
So cool! I think armadillos are adorable and this one is no exception! 😍 What fabulous adaptations they have!