{WP#482. A scientist created a new animal today}

Breaking: Houston, TX. Associated Press Herschel Barnes, PhD, of Bayloyre Genetics, has successfully created a new creature, a hybrid formed from a nine banded armadillo (Latin: Dasypus novemcinctus) and a black tailed jackrabbit (Latin: Lepus californicus). This is not a prank, coming from the age old play of the “jackalope”. It is unknown at this time how successful captive breeding will be, as armadillos can weigh upwards of 100 pounds, while jackrabbits are a modest seven. Dr. Barnes is reported to say, “I was just messing around, seeing what I could create. When the sperm and egg fused, it was a Friday afternoon and I didn’t go home until Monday.”

They’re calling it “Armarabbit”. The creature can leap a measured 17 feet flat footed, and gains an additional twelve feet if given a running start. It rivals the Kangaroo Rat for distance in relation to body size. It features long, sinewy hind legs with two inch toenails. The front feet are largely useless, and almost completely covered with scales. The reduced ears give it more of a dinosaur appearance with tufts of hair on the underside and scales topside. We were unable to secure a picture, as the world-renowned scientist is keeping things under wraps until more is researched. It is an omnivore, preferring plants over grubworms and roadkill (this reporter does, too!). By and large nocturnal, the corporation has built a large fully fenced enclosure for it to burrow about and room to forage and hunt. Of course they are providing a balanced ration as well. For now, the mammal, named Hexagon, seems perplexed by weather, running in and out of simulated rain and unsure whether to sunbathe or dig a hole on the hottest days Texas has to offer. There is talk of creating a mate to test reproduction. Hexagon is male, so they’ve got their fingers crossed for a female in one of the five embryos. Weighing in currently at the adolescent state, Hexagon is a whopping 18 pounds. Scientists are unsure how much bigger he will get. He measures 16″ long with a circumference of 14″ at the widest point of his scaly back. When startled, he first jumps, coming down curled into a ball (roughly the size of a basketball), and rolls out of harms way. It is rather comical. I could have watched him for hours.

What’s next? Miniature hippos instead of pugs? Honey badgers that don’t mature? Hang on, folks, the possibilities are endless! Maybe this one can outrun coyotes and roadrunners, alike.