Screaming Hairy Armadillo

Chaetophractus vellerosus

The Screaming Hairy Armadillo gets its name from the long hairs that grow from between the plates, and from the screaming, squealing sound that it makes when threatened.

These interesting looking Armadillos can be found in dry, desert areas of central South America. They are nocturnal and spend the daytime living in deep burrows that keep them cool. Screaming Hairy Armadillos are solitary by nature. Unless it is a female with young offspring, they live in the burrows alone.

Screaming Hairy Armadillos are omnivores, but insects make up most of their diet. They also eat vegetation, and larger creatures like lizards and snakes!

Though they are hunted for their meat and armor, Screaming Hairy Armadillo populations are currently stable.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern

Location : South America

Size : Body Length up to 16in (40cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Cingulata
Family : Dasypodidae -- Genus : Chaetophractus -- Species : C. vellerosus