The physical appearance of pangolins is marked by large, hardened, plate-like scales. The scales, which are soft on
newborn pangolins but harden as the animal matures, are made of keratin, the same material of which human fingernails
and tetrapod claws are made. The pangolin is often compared to a walking pine cone or globe artichoke. It can curl up
into a ball when threatened, with its overlapping scales acting as armour and its face tucked under its tail. The
scales are razor-sharp, providing extra defence. The front claws are so long that they are unsuited for walking,
and so the animal walks with its fore paws curled over to protect them. Pangolins can also emit a noxious smelling
acid from glands near the anus, similar to the spray of a skunk. Pangolins have short legs, with sharp claws which
they use for burrowing into termite and ant mounds, as well as climbing.
~wiki~
