A couple of days ago, my friend Steve Creek let me know there were four cute little Nine-banded Armadillo pups in his yard. Of course I grabbed my camera!
Nine-banded Armadillo baby with an eye on me – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/100, ISO 2000, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 286mm, natural light
The light was low thanks to thick clouds overhead, but come on, baby armadillos. I was going to get photos no matter how lousy the lighting was.
All four pups were busy rooting around for food and didn’t pay much attention to me or Steve. Their eyesight isn’t exactly stellar.
I don’t think they really see us as a threat when they look our way. Years ago, on Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida, I had one nearly crawl right into my lap. I moved before it did!
Young Nine-banded Armadillo pup looking for food – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/200, ISO 2000, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 271mm, natural light
The baby armadillos were small, but it’s hard to show that in photos like these. The adults I’ve photographed are definitely larger, and their armor is darker than these little ones.
The two dark spots on the back of this pup are flies.
Baby Nine-banded Armadillo standing up – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/125, ISO 2000, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
It was challenging to photograph the very active armadillo pups in the low light, but I kept at it, hoping for a few sharp, in-focus shots of the youngsters. That paid off.
Me with a Nine-banded Armadillo pup close by ©Steve Creek
Steve took a photo of me kneeling on the ground as one of the armadillo babies walked right up to me. I’m 5’4″, and as you can see, that little armadillo was tiny!
We saw the armadillo babies again yesterday. The light still wasn’t great because it’s been rainy here for days, but I’ll keep trying for better photos as long as these young Nine-banded Armadillos keep showing up!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Nine-banded Armadillo photos plus facts and information about this species.
See Steve’s post about them, along with facts and information, here: Baby Nine-banded Armadillos in My Yard.
Makes you wonder how they looked 60 million years ago…just adorable today
Magical! What a moment! The detail is stunning. That shot of the baby armadillo standing up is priceless. How could such an odd looking animal be so beautiful! Actually Mia, the magic and the beauty comes from you. It always does. Thanks.
How cute🥰🥰🥰
Just like being back home, Mia!
Goodness I don’t what happened but I was able to view your post and cute pictures. Years ago Mother and I were in Texas and saw my first live Armadillo along the road. They are cute.
Oh my you are so lucky! I love the photo of the one standing on it’s hind legs!
Awwww, so cute!
What total cuties.