Lots of cool animals live on earth. They are all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are common and some are rare. ​​

One of the rare animals is the pink fairy armadillo. Have you ever heard of it? It looks like a mix between a fuzzy caterpillar and a lobster!​

The pink fairy armadillo is the smallest type of armadillo. It’s about 5 inches long and will fit in your hand. It lives in the dry and sandy areas of Argentina.​

How does it keep cool in such a hot and dry place? The pink fairy armadillo pumps blood into its shell to keep cool. That’s what makes it pink.​

Underneath its pink shell, it has silky white fur. It also has strong claws and a big bottom. It uses its claws to dig. It uses its bottom to pack the sand as it digs. This action makes its tunnels very strong.​

Some people call this armadillo the sand swimmer. It can move very quickly through the sand. It stays mostly underground. It only comes to the top of the sand when it rains.​

​Like all fairies, the pink fairy armadillo is rarely seen. When it does come out of its sandy lair, it can become prey for hungry animals. As more people move into its habitat, along with their cats and dogs, it is in danger. Scientists hope we can learn more about this unique animal so that it will be around for many generations to come.