How Do Aardvarks Defend Themselves?

Aardvarks may not possess many teeth, however when it comes to defending themselves against predators they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. The aardvark’s main predators are humans, lions, hyenas, pythons, and leopards. Since aardvarks are burrowing animals, they can dig really fast. This helps them hide from predators quickly when they are in danger.

These creatures also have very keen smell and a great sense of hearing which helps them easily detect when danger is nearby. They are able to run in zig zags to escape from and confuse their enemies, but when all else fails they can be found striking predators with their spoon shaped claws, tail and shoulders.

The aardvark’s also have a rare characteristic of flipping onto their backs when it feels threatened and/or needs to escape danger, and this results in a type of somersault. Another thing that helps aardvarks survive attacks from predators is their thick skin.

These creatures are sometimes underestimated by humans and other predators, when in fact they have front legs that are short and powerful for digging. This enables them to excavate a termite mound in just a few minutes time. Just imagine what they could do to a predator with those legs. When attacked, these creatures can be quite fierce and will also slash and kick their legs and claws. They are also able to stand on their back legs and tails in order to defend themselves from predators with their front feet.