Armadillos

[AmberOpalite]

Does anyone else find them so adorable? I would never touch one because they can carry leprosy. If I were an animal, I'd want to be one. I have an armadillo plushie, I love them that much!

 

[Mary Terry]

We have armadillos here. Can't say I'm very happy about them. They dig up holes everywhere, looking for grubs and worms or roots to eat, and can leave leprosy bacteria in the soil. I always wear gardening gloves for that reason. They get run over by cars a lot, too, leading to bad jokes about armadillo on the half shell, like oysters!

 

[Aspychata]

I didn't know they carried leprosy bacteria. They get hit by cars because they can't run very fast. I saw a alligator run across the street two days ago, about 4rt from snout to end of tail. It ran so fast , l couldn't snap a video of it. Sorry, ran off topic.

 

[Jumpinbare]

They get run over by cars a lot, too, leading to bad jokes about armadillo on the half shell, like oysters!

Around here, we call Armordillos "Possum on the half shell".

 

[tree]

BACKYARD SECRET – ARMADILLOS EAT FIRE ANTS

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

They do eat fire ants. And they do run fast, but not very often.

But they cause so many other problems. I don't have much lawn, but the armadillos dug so many holes and divots in them its dangerous to walk there. Plus they plow through the garden and eat some of my garden plants.

So I looked up to see if I could shoot them in Florida. In Florida, you are allowed to shoot and kill an armadillo if it is a pest. But you are not allowed to kill an armadillo in order to eat it.

 

[Shamar]

Does anyone else find them so adorable? I would never touch one because they can carry leprosy. If I were an animal, I'd want to be one. I have an armadillo plushie, I love them that much!

If you take an armadillo and remove the armored part, do you have an illo? (Sorry, that probably belongs in the Dad Jokes thread)

 

[Rodafina]

A few interesting things about armadillos:

- Their name comes from the phrase "little armored one" in Spanish.

- Armadillos lived alongside dinosaurs.

- They can swim and hold their breath for up to six minutes.

- Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem. Their digging habits aerate the soil and they help to control insect populations.

- They can jump 3-4 feet in the air (when startled).

- In some Native American stories, they are symbols of resilience, protection and self care.

- They are solitary animals who prefer to live and forage alone.... hmmmm, that's relatable.

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The Armadillo across cultures (Source):

African Folklore: In some African traditions, the armadillo is seen as a guardian spirit, protecting the community from harm. Its hard shell is viewed as a metaphor for resilience, reminding people to shield themselves from negative influences.

Native American Stories: Many Native American tribes hold the armadillo in high regard, often depicting it as a symbol of resilience and protection. Tales of the armadillo emphasize its ability to navigate challenges, serving as a reminder of inner strength.

South American Legends: In South America, the armadillo is often featured in creation myths, where it plays a role in the formation of the earth and the protection of life. These legends highlight the armadillo’s importance in the cycle of life and its connection to the earth.

Symbolism of the Armadillo in Modern Spirituality

In contemporary spiritual practices, the armadillo is embraced as a totem animal, symbolizing protection and personal growth. Many people turn to the armadillo for guidance in navigating life’s challenges, viewing it as a source of strength against negativity.

As a totem, the armadillo encourages individuals to develop their own protective barriers, promoting self-care and the importance of maintaining emotional boundaries. Its symbolism resonates in various aspects of personal development, reminding individuals to embrace their unique qualities while defending against external pressures.

 

[TBRS1]

I know they are a nuisance, and that they carry leprosy, but since there aren't any around here, I think they're cute as heck.

(I confess that I hope to be reincarnated as a skunk, though, so my opinion may not be meaningful .)

 

[Jumpinbare]

(I confess that I hope to be reincarnated as a skunk)

One very cold night when I was sleeping in one of the Appalachian Trail trail shelters, an albino skunk (we had seen it earlier) came walking on my sleeping bag. It got to my chest, then circled around a couple of times, then laid down curled up on my chest. I remained still to keep from alarming it and I was soon asleep. When I woke in the morning it was gone.

 

[TBRS1]

One very cold night when I was sleeping in one of the Appalachian Trail trail shelters, an albino skunk (we had seen it earlier) came walking on my sleeping bag. It got to my chest, then circled around a couple of times, then laid down curled up on my chest. I remained still to keep from alarming it and I was soon asleep. When I woke in the morning it was gone.

LOL - they have great confidence because even coyotes are polite to them.

 

[tree]

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7441021267140021547

 

[tree]

 

[SusanLR]

I think they are cute even if they do make holes in the soil here in Florida.
Once by a creekside where I was walking a bunch of baby Armadillos came over to my feet. They were curious but didn't try to make my toes lunch.
Leprosy is rare. And like any other mammal can carry rabies.


I used to think moles couldn't bite and found out the hard way they do have teeth that they can move forward and bite with. I took it to the ER with me, got a tetanus shot and it didn't have rabies. They are cute too. Why I picked it up.

 

[Mary Terry]

Armadillos dig up and eat turtle eggs. I'd rather have the turtles than the armadillos.

 

[SusanLR]

AI generated response:
Raccoons, foxes, and other wildlife also prey on turtle nests, and armadillos are just one of the many predators that can negatively impact turtle populations.

I would rather have a world without spiders, yet when one species is eradicated to satisfy man or gets in the way of our expansion, it upsets the whole of the natural order.

I like to watch the deer grazing behind the house. One evening I could see they were upset. Then a Bay Lynx ran out of the heavy woods trying to capture a doe. They outran it and returned later unharmed.
My companion was upset at seeing what had just happened. But nature will do as nature does.

We can make conservation efforts to help nature that is threatened. Like protecting Sea Turtle nests as best we can. Those little guys have it rough even when they hatch.
Our manmade lights from houses can even throw them off course.

Point of the story is the turtles may be cuter than armadillos, and I understand how our emotions make us feel, but if we are to live in harmony with nature, we must accept nature's ways. Help, not harm, when we can. All creatures are our little brothers and sisters. Earth was created as it is for a reason that we may not understand. Spiders and all.

My little rant for the environment and the animals.