Why are armadillos furry?

Armadillos are not actually furry, despite appearances. They have bony plates that form a protective shell over their bodies. These plates are covered in a thin layer of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails.

While it may look like fur, it's actually just a tough, leathery covering over their bony shell. This covering helps to protect them from predators and the elements.

So, instead of being "furry", armadillos are shelled with a keratin covering.