Aardvarks

Aardvarks are strange-looking animals from Africa. They have long snouts, big ears, and strong claws. The name aardvark means 'earth pig' in a language called Afrikaans. But aardvarks are not related to pigs at all. They are the only animal in their family.

Super Diggers

Aardvarks are some of the best diggers in the animal world. Their powerful claws can break open hard termite mounds in minutes. They also dig long burrows to sleep in during the day. An aardvark's burrow can be 10 feet deep. Many other animals use old aardvark burrows as homes.

Ant Eaters

Aardvarks love eating ants and termites. They find them using their great sense of smell. Their long, sticky tongue can reach deep into insect nests. An aardvark can eat 50,000 bugs in one night. They have tough skin that protects them from bug bites.

Fun Facts

• An aardvark's tongue can be 12 inches long.
• Aardvarks are the first animal listed in many dictionaries.
• They can close their nostrils to keep dust and bugs out while digging.

Did You Know?

Aardvarks eat a special fruit called the aardvark cucumber. It is the only fruit they eat, and they help spread its seeds across Africa.