[roofgoat]

they are cool looking creatures. I used to think they would be a cool pet to keep outside.

But they are hell on your lawn. I went out one day and looked at my meager lawn. I have about 2 acres to cut and maybe 1/3 is real nice. Anyway, I noticed all these divots all over. Looked like a guy in a helicopter used a 50cal to shoot up the yard. No idea what caused it but it was dillos. They are digging for grubs and are brutal.

Now I shoot them when I can. You are right, blind as bats and I’ve had them walk up to me when I’m quiet but any ground vibration, they are super sensitive and can feel you walking. They can be quick when they want to and when you shoot them, hit or miss they jump a few feet in the air and then take off.

[jonascord]

The jumping reaction is standard defensive behavior for the animal. They tend to jump vertically to about waist high when startled. I walked up on one on a trail in Wichita Falls. Sucker came up, hissing and growling.

It might work with predators. Not so much with trucks and cars, even those trying to straddle them. Hence the term, "Texas Speed Bump..."

[Eric in the Ozarks]

We trap and destroy them, sometimes 6 or 8 each summer in mid-Missouri.

20 years ago, there were no armadillos here.