Strange Animals TriviaThere are 10 varieties of armadillo ranging from the giant armadillo, which grows to about 40 inches to the Pink Fairy Armadillo, which only grows to about 5 inches. Unlike many species of animals, the armadillo population is on the rise. They do not seem to be bothered by human encroachment and their natural enemies have been on the decrease. They are excellent diggers and live in an underground world of burrows. Their only real method of defense is their 'armor', which is actually plates or scales made of bone covered by horn. When threatened they will roll up into a ball to ensure that their soft underside is not exposed. Other types of armadillos who are physically unable to roll into a ball will either run away or try to dig to safety.