The 21 Basic Mammal Groups
Pangolins (Order Pholidota)
Also known as scaly anteaters, pangolins are characterized by the large, plate-like scales (made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair) covering their bodies. When these creatures are threatened by predators, they curl up into tight balls with sharp-edged scales pointing outward. For good measure, they can also expel a smelly, skunk-like excretion from a specialized gland near the anus. All that said, you may be relieved to learn that pangolins are native to Africa and Asia, and are practically never seen in the western hemisphere (except in zoos).
The 21 Basic Mammal Group caches were placed for HNY21.