A powerful digger (3), the large hairy armadillo either builds
simple burrows for temporary shelter or more complex branching
burrows where it resides for longer periods (4). Activity varies
between the seasons, being mostly nocturnal in the summer to
avoid the heat of the day, but changing to diurnal during the
winter. A variety of prey is taken, using a range of unusual
foraging techniques including forcing its head into the ground
and turning its body to make a conical hole, thereby exposing
subterranean invertebrates. It has also been observed to pounce
upon small snakes, slicing them with the bottom edge of the body
shell. When threatened, the large hairy armadillo will run
towards the nearest hole, or attempt to burrow into the ground.
If, however, it is unable to escape, this species will draw up
its feet, so that the bottom of the shell is level with the
ground. When pursued into its burrow, the large hairy armadillo
will wedge itself tightly against the walls, by bending its back
and thrusting out it