14 Pokémon Based On Bizarre Real Life Creatures

13. Sandslash Is A Pangolin

What Is It?

The Pangolin is a scaly mammal found throughout tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name pangolin comes from the Malay word "pengguling", meaning "something that rolls up", due to their habit of rolling up into a little pinecone when threatened, much like the Sandslash.

Fun Fact:

In 1956, Sir David Attenborough saved a pangolin from becoming a delicious stew when he bought it from a local whilst filming in Asia, where they are a delicacy.