Something you don’t see often! An Armadillo crossing road that is alive. (Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma)
I came across this Armadillo while driving the auto tour road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I sat on the road while hand-holding my camera and lens to get this photo.
Armadillos often end up dead on roads due to a combination of factors. Armadillos have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell, making it difficult for them to detect approaching vehicles until it’s too late. When startled, armadillos have a reflex to leap into the air, which can be effective in the wild but becomes deadly when faced with oncoming cars.
This behavior, coupled with their natural armor and fast running abilities, can lead to fatal encounters with vehicles. Additionally, the increase in temperatures and human activities like transportation and habitat changes have contributed to more armadillo sightings on roads.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: March 10, 2022 (10:10 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8.0
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 800 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 343 mm