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Dogs aren't the only pets that enjoy going for walks. While the occasional cat can be spotted wearing a leash, and even rabbits have been known to join their human parents on a stroll, an armadillo may be one of the last animals you'd expect to see at the other end of the leash.
A recent Instagram Reel shared by @eagleeyefarmwi shows an adorable three-banded armadillo named Nugget confidently trotting along wearing his personalized collar and leash. The curious little critter keeps pace with his owner, periodically stopping to investigate his surroundings, and has viewers doing a double-take as he walks around like any other pet dog.
The onscreen text reads, "Nugget goes for a walk," and the video opens on a small light-brown creature wearing a personalized turquoise collar. As his owner narrates the situation, Nugget can be seen sniffing the ground as he explores and walks along a wooden wall. He circles several times, pausing to sniff and discover his area.
As Nugget waddles around, his hard outer shell barely moves while his little legs work in quick succession beneath him. From certain angles, it's almost impossible to see what's attached to the leash, prompting users to refer to him as anything from a walking potato, a piece of corn with legs, or a large acorn come alive.
One user, @laurenarekay. was convinced she was watching a pillbug: "Why did I think this was a giant rolly pollie at first? 😄," she admitted.
Before long, Nugget's owner is praising him for knowing exactly where he was, recognizing his own enclosure in the barn.
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Can Armadillos Really be Kept as Pets?
Before you race off to your local pet store, there are many factors to take into consideration before bringing home your very own nugget. According to ArmadilloOnline.org, legality varies by state, so it is important to look up armadillo ownership laws in your state.
Another important consideration is the environment you can provide for your pet. Armadillos need a lot of space to fulfill their natural foraging and digging instincts, both of which they like to do at night, as they are nocturnal. Additionally, armadillos can give off a musty smell that is unpleasant to some people. This may be a natural deterrent to some who are considering bringing one into their home.
Because of their specialized needs—including diet, housing, and veterinary care—armadillos are generally considered a unique pet that requires plenty of research and preparation before bringing one home.
Related: Armadillo's Surprise Encounter With the Neighborhood Cat Couldn't Be Sweeter
