Nine Banded Armadillo

As a boy growing up in north Louisiana, Steve caught a lot of armadillos by the tail. He wouldn't hurt them, just catch and release.

Here he is when we were newlyweds, still in Louisiana, showing off his armadillo prowess.

Now we know armadillos can carry leprosy on ther footpads. (Their low body temperature makes them susceptible.) If one of these critters happened to show up in Utah, it would be safe from Steve.

Other interesting armadillo facts (from Wikipedia):

They have 4 genetically identical young with each litter, which has made them useful in scientific research.

They are common roadkill because of their habit of jumping to fender height when startled.

They were hunted for meat during the Great Depression, and were referred to as the Hoover Hog (by those who blamed Herbert Hoover for the depression.)

They can dig holes in yards and gardens, and thus are considered pests.

Once found only in southern states, their range has extended as far north as Nebraska, and they've been occasionally seen in Illinois and Indiana.

For more camera critters, click here.