The Pangolin

Pangolins are also known as scaly anteaters.
Photo: Pangolins.org

Pangolins are the only mammals covered in scales. There are seven species of pangolins which can be found in Africa and Asia. Some live in trees and others live on the ground. Their scales act like a suit of armor. They make the animal look like a pine cone! When they are scared they roll into balls to protect themselves. Even predators like lions struggle to get the pangolin unrolled but the scales protect it! 

Pangolins have huge, powerful front claws that act like a digger. Some use them to make burrows underground. Pangolins don't have teeth, but they have a long sticky tongue like an ant eater. Pangolins are nocturnal and eat at night, using their claws to tear open ant and termite nests and eat the insects inside. 

Cool Fact: Some pangolin claws are strong enough to break through soil that is as hard as concrete!