Armadillo Sighting

I have recently returned from a week long, internetless camping adventure at the Guadalupe River State Park.  Although the nights were below freezing and the days a little crisp, I enjoyed the time to myself in this amazing habitat.  I pretty much had the campground to myself, which, on moonless nights, got pretty spooky.  But I did meet a new friend.

This very junior naturalist was visiting the park

for the day with his parents. 

He was very proud to show me all the bells and whistles

attached to his vest.

There were lots and lots of pockets.

I love pockets.

He was pretty excited because he had just seen an armadillo.



Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

I was pretty excited, too, because

I knew armadillos to be nocturnal.

But I wasn't the only one observing these daytime visits.

While I was away, Marvin at Nature in the Ozarks

shared his knowledge about these curious little critters,

and I learned from him that because the temperatures were so cold

they stayed in their warm little burrows during the night,

and had no other choice but to forage for food

during the daytime.

I don't believe they see very well, but they have a great sniffer...

...and can run pretty fast when they feel threatened.

It was delightful to be sitting at the picnic table in my site,

reading or writing,

and hearing a rustling sound nearby,

only to look up to see an armadillo rooting through the dirt,

right there, in MY space!

The Nine-banded Armadillo is the Texas State Animal.

                    
                Armadillo Rodeo

   Jan Brett is one of my favorite children's
   authors and illustrators.
   This book will make a delightful
   addition to you child's library.
   It graces mine!