Edit 7/11/16--When you find the container, please make sure you put it back where you found it, not where it's convenient. When I checked on it today, it was 3 feet from where it is supposed to be, and was out in the open.
The Mossy-Backed Armadillo is the very rare, and virtually never seen cousin of the Armadillo. They occur only in the Pacific Northwet. In fact, to this writer's knowledge, this is the only one ever seen in Kitsap County.
Mossy-Backed Armadillos like to stay secluded in dark, naturally fortified locations. They generally choose these locations in the shade of a tree. In addition, they are, much to their dismay, a favorite Hors D'oeuvre of the various birds of prey that live in the Northwet. They are also quite timid, and terrified of the very populous creature known as Muggles.
Please make sure you replace ALL the cammo to completely cover the little guy!
Here are a few facts about the "generic" Armadillo.
The armadillo is a mammal classified as a toothless animal or an Edentatas. Yet ironically some armadillos have as many as 90 teeth and more than any other mammalian species.
Their closest relatives are sloths and anteaters. Contrary to popular belief, the armadillo is neither a rodent nor a marsupial and is not related to the opossum in any way.
As you might guess from its name, the South American Giant Armadillo, or El Speedo Bumpo Grande as it is known in it's native habitat, is the largest armadillo. They measures up to five feet in length and weighs up to 130 pounds. Although the Giant Armadillo is generally a gentle creature they have been known to attack and disarm hunters.
Armadillos are suited perfectly for digging; they have strong short front feet and powerful curved claws. This enables them to build underground burrows where they sleep and raise young. They do, however, have a problem seeking out and keeping quality manicurists.
Did you know? (or care?)
--When surprised, the North American nine-banded armadillo tends to jump straight up in the air and, consequently, often throws itself into the undercarriage of cars passing over it. An unfortunate evolutionary decision, from the 'diller's point of view.
--Only one species, the nine-banded armadillo appears to be increasing in number. Its home range has expanded northward into the United States, as far as Nebraska and as far west as Colorado. Occasional sightings have been made even farther up north, but the cold weather will eventually stop the spread of the armadillo. This is because armadillos do not possess any large fat reserves to help insulate their bodies; even relatively short periods of extreme cold are intolerable. As an armadillo ages they have been known to migrage to Boca Raton, FL where they wear high waisted pants, don Speedos, bake themselves in the sun and seek out 'Early Bird' specials.
--Armadillos can hold their breath under water for as long as 6 minutes and the nine-banded armadillo can do so while walking along the river floor to cross rivers. They do this by swallowing air to blow up their intestine adding buoyancy to their bodies even with their heavy coats or armour. Deflating has to be bad.
--Armadillos make snorting sounds as they move, most likely because finding their food depends on their sense of smell. Are we sure what end the snorting comes from? See above.
--An armadillo catches most of its food by pushing its worm shaped tongue far into insect nests and quickly eating whatever it can get its tongue on! Yeech!!!
--Along with mangabey monkeys, rabbits, and mice, armadillos have often been used to study the effects of leprosy. The leprosy bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae, favors the armadillo's unusually low body temperature and serves as a very hospitable environment. This vulnerability makes them the only known non-human animal species that can contract the disease systemically.
--In Texas, the armadillo was made the state small mammal. Surprising huh? Unfortunately, it is considered a pest. Very rare, and seldom seen is the Long Horned Armadillo. These 'dillers only thrive on the plains where wide burrows can be dug.
Live in the northeast and want to own yor own armadillo? Sorry. According to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, it is illegal to own an armadillo in the state of Maine (!).
Rather go tropical? Nope, sorry. Hawaii has strict regulations against the import of any foreign animal, including armadillos.
However, if you would like to reside in Big Sky country, the state of Montana classifies them as livestock, (Head 'em up, move 'em out. Raw Diller!!) and regulates their import accordingly. Raising armadillos can be tricky. A good number of any given heard can not survive branding.
--Some female armadillos being used for research have given birth to young long after they were captured -- up to two years afterwards, in some cases! These "virgin births" are a result of the female's ability to delay implantation of the fertilized egg during times of stress. This reproductive tactic is one reason why the 'dillers are so good at colonizing new areas (such as the United States!). Most armadillos give birth to twins or just one offspring. The nine-banded armadillo has a very unusual reproductive system, a phenomenon called polyembryony. This species gives birth to a litter of four identical offspring, quadruplets all of which are the same sex.
Note: This cache is on private property. It was placed with the property manager's knowledge and permission. It should also be noted that some of the facts above are outright lies.