I recently had the opportunity to photograph an armadillo at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. While driving along the auto tour road, I spotted this Armadillo scurrying about near the roadside. These fascinating creatures are native to the Americas, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
I parked my truck and approached the Armadillo quietly, trying not to disturb it. It was busy digging through leaves and debris, completely oblivious to my presence. As I got closer, I could see its sharp claws and the intricate patterns on its shell. I lowered myself to the ground, hand-holding my camera, and waited for the Armadillo to raise its head.
After a few moments, the Armadillo noticed me and looked up. I quickly took a photo.
In addition to their unique physical characteristics, Armadillos have several interesting behaviors and habits. For example, they are known to roll up into a ball when threatened, using their tough shell as a form of armor. They also have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate their prey. And despite their armored exterior, Armadillos are actually quite nimble and can run up to 30 miles per hour!
Gear Used:
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II (attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro)
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: March 7, 2021 (11:14 A. M.)
- Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/1000 (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 800
- Focal Length: 400 mm
Update on Armadillo Species Name
Since this post was originally published, scientists have reclassified the armadillos found in Arkansas and Oklahoma. What was once identified as the Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) in this article is now recognized as a separate species called the Mexican Long-Nosed Armadillo (Dasypus mexicanus).
The animal in these photos has not changed. Our understanding of its genetics has.
You can read the full explanation of this name change here: Mexican Long-Nosed Armadillo: The Nine-Banded Name Change