What happens when you shoot an armadillo?

Armadillos, also known as armadillos, are mammals with hard shells covering their bodies. Like pangolins, shooting armadillos can be dangerous .

The armadillo, or armadillo , is not only famous for its unique appearance but also for its ability to possess a special ability that is rare in the animal world: its armor-like scales. This feature not only helps them defend against predators but can sometimes even deflect bullets. So what makes these scales so incredibly powerful?

Both armadillos and pangolins have hard scales that cover their bodies for protection. Both species' scales are made of keratin, a protein that also makes up animals' fingernails, toenails, and horns.

The special structure of armadillo scales

The armadillo's scales are made of keratin , similar to the fingernails or horns of many other animals, but reinforced by dense layers of calcium. These scales are stacked on top of each other and are held together by flexible tissue, creating a natural "armor" that is both tough and flexible.

The armadillo's scales are segmented and cover the entire body except for its belly, which is its softest area. This allows the armadillo to both protect itself from attacks and roll into a ball when threatened.

The hardness of the scales is a key factor in what makes the armadillo stand out. Studies have shown that the force applied to the scales is evenly distributed thanks to the flexible structure, minimizing damage. In some cases, as reported in the US, the scales of the armadillo can even deflect bullets.

The scales of both armadillos and pangolins have the main function of protecting their bodies from external environmental impacts such as enemies and collisions. When in danger, both armadillos and pangolins have the ability to curl up their bodies to protect their soft abdomens.

Bulletproof: Coincidence or Miracle of Nature?

While bulletproofing is not a common occurrence, there have been documented cases. In 2015, a Texas man had an unfortunate accident while shooting an armadillo in his yard. He fired three shots at the animal. However, the armadillo's hard shell deflected at least one bullet, causing it to ricochet and hit the man in the jaw.

As a result, the man had to be airlifted to hospital for treatment, with severe damage to his jaw. Doctors performed surgery and fixed his jaw.

On the other side, the armadillo appeared to have escaped unharmed. 'We didn't find it ,' said Sheriff Rowe. The incident was not only surprising, but also highlighted the unique ability of the armadillo shell – a rare natural defense mechanism.

The reason why armadillo scales can deflect bullets lies in three main factors:

1. First , the scales are reinforced with calcium, giving them a strength comparable to many hard materials like bone or even fiberglass. Bullets that strike the scales at the right angle can bounce back instead of penetrating.
2. Second , the scales are not rigidly attached but are surrounded by soft connective tissue. When the bullet hits, the impact force is dispersed and absorbed by the entire structure, reducing the ability to penetrate.
3. And finally , the curved shape of the scales acts as a sloped surface, causing the bullet to tend to bounce off rather than go straight in. This effect is similar to how a bullet might skid when hitting a curved steel surface.

Armadillo scales are typically more angular in shape, forming tough plates that cover the entire body. Pangolin scales, on the other hand, are typically more rounded and overlap like roof tiles - Pangolin scales are typically larger and thicker than armadillo scales.

This superior protection does not come about by accident. Armadillos evolved in a challenging natural environment where they face many dangerous predators. Their scaly armor helps them survive by minimizing the risk of injury from bites, scratches, or hard hits.

Not only that , the scales also help armadillos resist harsh environmental factors . The scales are waterproof, helping them survive in wet soil or shallow water conditions. In addition, the layered structure also prevents parasites from attacking the body.

Armadillos are native to the Americas, while pangolins are found in Asia and Africa. The difference in habitat also leads to differences in the shape and size of the scales in these two species.

Although the scales are tough, they are not 'invincible.' Larger bullets or those fired at the right angle can still penetrate the scales. Furthermore, the abdomen – the part not covered by scales – is still a weak point that predators can target.

Additionally, the scales do not protect the armadillo from non-physical threats, such as habitat loss or pollution, which puts the species at risk of declining numbers, especially in urbanized areas.

The resilience of armadillo scales has inspired many fields of research. Scientists are looking to replicate this structure to develop super-strong materials for the military and construction industries.

For example, the model of armadillo scales could be applied to design lightweight yet tough personal armor, or develop protective coatings for equipment in harsh environments.

The armadillo's scales are a testament to the wonders of nature in adapting and protecting. More than just a survival tool for the animal, the armadillo's scales have opened up new opportunities in science and technology. The story of the armadillo's bulletproof scales is not only impressive, but also affirms that sometimes, the best solutions have existed in nature for a long time.