Yep, NYC - soda Boston - tonic Chicago - pop It's right up there with ordering a sub/grinder/hero/hogie/wedge for lunch. Is that a real story? It looks so Photoshop to me. You sure it wasn't some Maine folks pulling a funny? There's some very creative folks in that state. If you've ever read the "do you have Lizzards" thread, it gives you a good sense of the sense of humor up there. It's good stuff.

WL, "Any special tips for catching them?" Just don't handle them. It is my understanding that armadillos can carry Leprosy. For that reason, and safety in general, any live catch traps should have protection for your hand at the carrying handle. I suspect that the NWS5300 Universal Trap with built-in nose cone trap would be suitable for armadillos. However, several other traps, like the Wickencamp Coon Trap (Model 302) or the Safeguard Pro Raccoon Trap, are suitable for armadillos. For traps with a rollover release, you should anchor the trap to prevent the captured animal from rolling the trap over and escaping. I lost several large gray squirrels before learning to attach an anti-rollover bar (a short piece of concrete re-bar) to my Havahart traps. If you are trying to catch an armadillo, you might want to use TreeBerry paste bait. If you prefer not to use a live trap, you could try a repellent like Whole Control. I have never used it, so I can't attest to its effectiveness. If all else fails, you could always try "the old reliable" Juicy Fruit gum. (grin) MM

Could be a "sick" animal...most often with some pathogen like GIARDIA which can be transferred to humans or pets through contact. Obviously you aren't going to touch it on purpose but just be wary that sickness is a distinct possibility esp. if you have any pets that also access this area. Our dog had Giardia and it's something you don't wish on your WORST enemy. If pets are sniffing around or even eating animal excrement they are in a position to get diseases carried in the intestinal tract of wild animals. I would be inclined to take a shovel out there and cover over it with fresh soil IF you have a pet who roams in the area. Barb

Hard to know. It doesn't look like what my cats produce, but they eat cat food. It could be fox or coyote. Where do you live? Is there enough wild area around to support wildlife such as fox, etc? Martha