Quick Take
- The nine-banded armadillo has a defense mechanism so effective against natural predators that evolution never phased it out, even though one glaring modern exception exists. See the key facts →
- Armadillos have a reflex that defends them against predators, and that same reflex is also what makes them roadkill. Discover the fatal reflex →
- Why do armadillos jump at all? Their unique anatomy holds the answer, though it is not what most people assume. Explore the jump anatomy →
- The predator-evasion strategy that works on coyotes, foxes, and bobcats becomes the exact wrong move the moment a car appears. See why cars change everything →
Armadillos are adorable animals that can curl up into a ball when threatened. While this defensive act is what they’re famous for, armadillos have many more interesting behaviors and traits. One striking example is their impressive jumping skills. This YouTube Short by @zackdfilms discusses how armadillos manage to jump four feet into the air!
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Why Armadillos Jump So High
The video above is a great look at a seemingly random armadillo ability. While it seems almost comical watching them jump roughly four feet high, the dramatic leap has an important purpose. It is an essential reflex for dealing with predators. Typically, when in danger, armadillos have a few ways to defend themselves. They often dig into the ground to disappear, sprint away, or use their armored backs as a shield. Not all armadillos can roll up into a ball, however. This trademark behavior is exclusive to the three-banded armadillo. Other species, like the nine-banded armadillo, press their bodies against the ground and tuck their limbs in. Because this species lacks the full-body armor protection of the three-banded armadillo, its remarkable jumping ability becomes a critical defense.
When armadillos are in sticky situations and can’t escape their predators, they jump as a way to avoid them. Common predators include coyotes, foxes, and bobcats, and they all share similar styles of hunting. All of these animals strike directly at their prey in a horizontal line. Because of this, armadillos have learned that by jumping vertically, they can avoid capture. The rapid and sudden jump can also surprise their predators, startling them enough to give the armadillo enough time to escape. However, this reflex is not always beneficial. As the video above explains, it causes many road accidents. If an oncoming car startles an armadillo, they may jump up as the car is passing overhead. Unfortunately, this can be potentially fatal for the animals.
