Animal Guide

Screaming Hairy Armadillo

20 destinations · 17 states

Native Range: Central and southern South America

The screaming hairy armadillo is small, but it has plenty going on once you start watching. Its name comes from a surprisingly loud squeal it can make when frightened or handled, while the longer hairs poking between its armored bands give the animal a shaggy appearance. Much of its time is spent sniffing around with its nose close to the ground, searching for insects, roots, plants, and other bits of food. Those sturdy front claws are useful for digging through loose soil, and a determined armadillo can disappear into the ground surprisingly quickly. Look at the shell closely and you can see how the flexible bands allow the animal to move while still carrying its protective armor. Native to dry grasslands and scrubby areas of central and southern South America, this armadillo is often most active when temperatures are cooler. In a zoo exhibit, quiet movement near the ground can be easy to overlook, making a close look especially rewarding.

Screaming Hairy Armadillo

Where to see Screaming Hairy Armadillo

20 destinations across 17 states

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