Seeing three armadillos at once is a rare encounter. These shy, solitary creatures are usually seen alone, so I was surprised to find three Nine-banded Armadillos together in a field during a drive through the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
As soon as I spotted them, I pulled over and quietly walked up from behind, camera in hand. I managed to get a photo of the group before they split up and wandered off in different directions. I was shooting handheld, which made this moment even more rewarding to capture.
Why Were These Armadillos Together?
Armadillos are typically loners, but they occasionally gather under special circumstances. Here are a few reasons why I may have seen this rare trio:
Staying Warm
When temperatures drop, armadillos will sometimes huddle together to conserve body heat. It could be that this group was seeking warmth, similar to how other wildlife gathers for comfort in cold weather.
Mating Season
Armadillos may also be seen together during mating season. Males often follow females closely, so it’s possible this group included a female and a couple of suitors.
Recently Separated Siblings
Another theory is that they were young siblings that had recently left their mother but were still loosely grouped together. Juveniles can sometimes linger near each other before becoming fully independent.
Whatever the reason, witnessing this rare gathering made for a memorable experience.
I later entered the photo in a National Wildlife Refuge contest and was honored to receive an honorable mention. The judges said they found the image funny, and I have to agree, it’s not every day you see three armadillos side by side.
For a closer look at one of these fascinating creatures, check out my other image: Armadillo Close-up Profile.
Camera and Settings
Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Date Taken: June 12, 2009
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS
Focal Length: 500mm
Aperture: f/4
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
ISO: 400
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Exposure Bias: 0 EV