Texas State Mascot with Mark Donahew Real Estate Agent

Texas State Mascot

 Texas state mascot with Mark Donahew real estate agent. No animal says Texas more than the armadillo.  This little creature that seems to find it impossible to cross the road safely really is the Texas state mascot.  Armadillos are found all over the United States but they just resonate with Texas. 

The Armadillo and Lone Star Beer

In fact, in the 1980’s Lone Star Beer ran a series of commercials showing a tore up beer truck. The beer truck driver would be talking about a giant armadillo tearing into the truck and drinking up all of the Lone Star Beer.  Of course, with Lone Star being called the national beer of Texas it is fitting that the Texas state mascot is the creature tearing up trucks to stealing the beer.  Although armadillos might not tear up beer trucks, tearing up a yard while hunting for grubs is a nightly occurrence around Texas. 

A Mascot and a Nuisance

As a matter of fact, I even know of one woman who was so disgusted by armadillos tearing up her yard. So much so that as she was leaving her driveway, she saw an armadillo rooting around in the yard.  Then in a bit of a rage, she tore out across the yard in her car trying to run it over.  Seeing this well dressed, professional lady barreling at it in a Lexus must have been really humorous. But the armadillo got the message, running off before getting flattened.  Being the Texas state mascot doesn’t protect it from the repercussions of its mischief.  

The Thrill of the Chase

While growing up in Texas I became fascinated with armadillos eventually figuring out that their eyesight is not very good and they really aren’t that fast.  Although they can be at full speed in a split second, they are low geared and their top end speed is not that remarkable.  When you spot an armadillo coming through the woods, just stay real still waiting for him to get close.  If he stands up and starts sniffing the air you might as well go after him because he already smells you.  After smelling the air they almost always turn around and start walking off the other direction. Then breaking into a run shortly thereafter and running back to their hole.

Now I don’t care to hurt the Texas state mascot but I do like catching armadillos.  If you run after one it will slow down as it goes into its hole and you can grab its tail.  By keeping steady pressure on it you can eventually wear it out and pull it out of the hole.  They’ll grunt and squirm but that’s about it. And they will run down the hole the second you put them down.  Now I haven’t participated in that foolishness in years. Rather than chasing them down I prefer watching them root through the leaves looking for bugs, worms, and grubs. 

Mascot or Decoration

I personally really like armadillos and think pretty low of anyone who intentionally hurts one.  A friend of mine saved a baby one once, raising it until it was old enough to turn loose.  I remember seeing at the flea markets the ceramic armadillos laying on their back with a bottle of Lone Star stuck in their mouth.  That stuff was a hot item greatly contributing to making them the Texas state mascot. 

Texas State Mascot

Armadillo Texas Mascot