It's peak season for armadillos

I've blogged in the past about seeing armadillos in the wild. These critters are usually not active in broad daylight, but during a harsh winter, they have little choice but to desperately forage for food in the daytime.

Of course roadkill armadillos can be seen anywhere and anytime, but this is the peak season to see live ones. I spotted this specimen rummaging through the leaves next to Moccasin Springs Road at Trail of Tears State Park.

Armadillos are fun to watch because you can get close without disturbing them. This particular one was totally oblivious to my presence -- or even passing cars -- as it systematically searched the ground for morsels.

I've seen armadillos at two places in Perry County: Seventy-Six Conservation Area near Brazeau and Red Rock Landing Conservation Area near Crosstown. Evidently Trail of Tears in Cape Girardeau County is another tract of armadillo acres.

The best time to see these peculiar creatures seems to be right after the ground has thawed following a big snow or ice storm. They're hungry and they don't care if they're being watched.