One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended! Happy caching!
Armadillos are a family of shelled mammals native to the Americas. They are related to anteaters and slothes. The species found in the southeastern US is the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Armadillos dig for grubs and insects with their snouts and claws; they also eat bird and turtle eggs. Unlike some other kinds of armadillos, the nine-banded armadillo cannot roll itself into a ball. Their shells are tough enough to resist most predators, but if threatened they need to dig into the ground to protect their unarmored stomachs or flee with surprising speed to one of their burrows. Predators include large birds of prey, gators, bears, bobcats, cougars, panthers, wolves, and coyotes.
Armadillos have only lived in the US since the 1800s and their range has been steadily expanding. They are considered an invasive species, especially in Florida. Their burrowing and digging (and tendancy to be struck by automobiles) make them a major nuisance in urban areas. They also damage many native plants and threaten native animals like sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and bobwhite quail. Unlike feral hogs, armadillos are not easily trapped and are not appealing to most hunters.