Yes there are some animals that appear to be bulletproof. Armadillo ‘armour’ – composed of bony plates known as osteoderms – has been seen to deflect bullets.
In one incident, a Texan man was hit in the face when his own bullet bounced back from an armadillo that he tried to shoot. In another, a bullet ricocheting off an armadillo penetrated a house, injuring an elderly lady.
Accounts from early colonial times describe bullets glancing off the hides of saltwater crocodiles or being lodged in their robust skulls without penetrating the brain.
The semi-bulletproof nature of crocodiles and other large animals, such as elephants and rhinos, gave rise to the ‘elephant gun’ in the late 1800s – this was a very heavy-duty weapon specifically designed for killing big game.
Main image: Armadillo © Enrique Aguirre Aves/Getty Images
I'm an enthusiast with a deep knowledge of ballistic interactions with animal anatomy and natural armor. The evidence supporting the semi-bulletproof nature of certain animals, such as armadillos, crocodiles, elephants, and rhinos, is fascinating and stems from a combination of historical accounts and scientific observations.
Let's start with armadillos. The unique defense mechanism of armadillos lies in their bony plates, known as osteoderms, which make up their armor. This natural armor has been observed deflecting bullets, showcasing its effectiveness as protection. An incident in Texas highlights this phenomenon, where a man attempting to shoot an armadillo had his own bullet bounce back and hit him in the face. In another instance, a bullet ricocheting off an armadillo penetrated a house, injuring an elderly lady.
Moving on to crocodiles, historical accounts from early colonial times describe bullets glancing off the hides of saltwater crocodiles or being lodged in their robust skulls without penetrating the brain. This evidence showcases the resilience of crocodile skin against projectiles, indicating a semi-bulletproof quality.
The concept of large animals, such as elephants and rhinos, being semi-bulletproof has historical implications as well. In the late 1800s, the need to effectively take down these formidable creatures gave rise to the development of the 'elephant gun.' This heavy-duty weapon was specifically designed for hunting big game and reflected the challenges posed by the thick hides and robust skulls of elephants, rhinos, and similar animals.
In summary, the semi-bulletproof nature of certain animals is not just a fascinating aspect of natural biology but also has practical implications that influenced the development of specialized weaponry. The combination of historical anecdotes and modern observations provides a compelling body of evidence supporting the remarkable protective capabilities of these creatures.
