An armadillo appeared on my lawn in broad daylight the other day, spooking me. I rarely see these nocturnal creatures, which raises the question of whether it was rabid.

Fortunately, I learned that they do come out occasionally during the day and are very rarely infected with rabies.

ARMADILLO TRAITS

The nine-banded creature, a native of South America, is the size of a cat, has armor, and eats insects. While the shell does a nice job protecting the animal from natural enemies, a good many of them meet their maker on the road—they are no match for cars. For this reason, they have gained the nickname “Texas speed bumps.”

These dudes dig! My neighbors have a running battle with them because of all the holes they leave in the yard. I don’t care. My front yard is pasture; I never planted St. Augustine.

WHO KNEW? FACTS ABOUT THE ARMADILLO

Texas Parks and Wildlife points out the following:

• Although breeding occurs in July, the embryo remains in a dormant state until November. Four young are born in a burrow in March.
• All four young, always of the same sex, are identical quadruplets and developed from the same egg. They even share a single placenta while in the womb.
• Armadillos are the only mammals in which multiple young form from a single egg with any regularity.
• Many other wildlife species use and benefit from abandoned armadillo burrows.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AND THE ARMADILLO

UT went on a flat-out armadillo craze in the 1970s that spawned armadillo racing and the Armadillo World Headquarters, a rock and country music establishment sporting armadillo art.

The student newspaper, The Daily Texan, reported in 1971 that the Student Senate had passed a resolution  “to determine grassroots support for the mascot change within the student body.”

Obviously, that did not happen. They are not the ‘dillos. Bevo, the Texas Longhorn, remains in the mascot position.

THE ARMADILLO AND TEXAS LORE

The creatures have endeared themselves to Texans as well. In fact, in 1995, the state held a vote with hundreds of elementary school students to choose a state animal.  Because the longhorn is a big deal, legislators decided on a big state mammal and a small state mammal. The legislation characterized the armadillo as an animal that  “possesses many remarkable and unique traits, some of which parallel the attributes that distinguish a true Texan, such as a deep respect and need for the land, the ability to change and adapt, and a fierce undying love for freedom.”

ARMADILLO, THE HOOVER HOG

Eating armadillos is popular in several Central and South American countries, but not in the U.S. If another Great Depression hits us, however, we might change our minds. During the Great Depression, the armadillo got the nicknames of “Hoover hog” and “possum on the half-shell,” as hungry citizens resorted to consuming them.

As a former Girl Scout, I have always subscribed to the motto of “Be Prepared.” In that spirit, please study the following video so you are thoroughly prepared for Armageddon.

FYI: Armadillos are known to carry leprosy. However, cooking the meat thoroughly and using gloves while handling keeps you safe.

OTHER ARMADILLO ODDITIES

Did you realize that the armored pig is also used for baskets, musical instruments, and ceremonial masks? Check here to learn how to skin one so you can fashion your own eclectic adornments.

LAST THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ARMADILLO

While I have no intention of catching and consuming the favorite Texas mascot, I certainly do enjoy armadillo eggs, along with an ice-cold beer. Here in Texas, you can find them pre-made in the grocery store!

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