Species · GBIF taxon 2440817
Screaming Hairy Armadillo
Chaetophractus vellerosusAlso known as Small Screaming Armadillo, Crying Armadillo, Small Hairy Armadillo
Screaming hairy armadillos are small, industrious diggers covered in a shield of bony plates and surprisingly long, bristly hairs. They construct deep, sloping burrows in sandy soils to escape the desert heat and predators. When threatened or handled, they emit a startlingly loud, high-pitched squeal that deters attackers and warns nearby wildlife.
NocturnalBurrowingMammal
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and tubers
- family
- Dasypodidae
- threats
- Hunting for food, agricultural development, and domestic dog attacks
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years
LC
Capable of scratching or biting if handled; observe from a safe distance.
Equipped with powerful claws designed for digging that can inflict deep scratches if the animal is cornered or handled.
Never attempt to touch, corner, or pick up; admire their digging skills from a respectful distance.- Listen for vocalizations: They emit a loud, high-pitched squeal when startled or handled.
- Look for burrows: Search sandy soils for sloping, semi-circular tunnel entrances.
- Observe at dusk: They are primarily nocturnal during hot summer months to avoid heat.