The Backyard Zoo

by Jim Dunlap

"Armadillo Deuce"

I would like for you to meet Deuce. He is our newest arrival here at the Living Materials Center. He came from Dallas Animal Control showing symptoms of ADR (Ain't Doin' Right!) and Tammy, office manager extraordinare, immediately took him under her wing. Deuce is a six-week old nine-banded armadillo.

He made himself comfortable in a lobby habitat complete with dirt box, shredded sweatshirt nesting material, and a top-of-the-line crock water bowl. After a few cricket and earthworm hors d' ourves he settled down to a steaming plate of soaked Science Diet feline growth in Esbilac formula. After a trip to the outhouse and a quick nap under his heat light, he ventured out onto the tile floor for a little exploration. Looking much like a little wind-up toy he tippity-tapped around from corner to corner. Then he met Maverick.

Our not overly brilliant lobby cat did not know just what to think of this giant pillbug. Deuce acted as if the cat did not exist, kinda what I do. After a little chase-the-weird-tail, Maverick resumed chasing whatever shoes were walking by.

You might find relatives of this little Texas speed bump making holes in your well-manicured lawn or beautiful flowerbed. He is not out for roots but he is looking for worms and insects. If one has decided to set up a resident hole under your foundation or deck he can be easily trapped and removed. Call Tammy at 469-752-1193 or email me at jdunlap@pisd.edu.

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