The Foxy Armadillos

Armadillos, whales, porpoises, and dolphins are mammals. They have lungs and nurse their babies. They look bald, but they have hair at some point in life.

Most fish use swim bladders to go up or down. Armadillos sink or float with stomach and intestinal gas. Water-going armadillos hold their breath for six minutes. People may last for two.

Armadillo babies in a litter are of the same sex. They are called “pups”, like baby rays and sharks. At birth, the pups' armor is soft, like baby stingrays' stingers.

As with sharks, armadillo birth can be put on hold. Delaying delivery can avoid bad conditions and improve the pups' survival.

Armadillos eat plants and animals, dead or alive. As with sharks, when these diners go after food, things of beauty get destroyed.

Armadillos are fast. Like members of the ray family, they prefer to flee. Why hide or curl into balls? They move faster than most rays. Their speed bursts rival some sharks.

In addition to sensitive noses and ears, armadillos have wiry hairs on their sides and bellies to aid navigation in the dark. Some people call these "curb feelers".