Mother's Day may be a little awkward for Larry McElroy next month.
Sheriff's deputies in Lee County, Georgia, said McElroy, 54, accidentally shot his mother-in-law with a 9mm pistol when he was trying to shoot an armadillo, WALB.com reports.
The armadillo died from the shot, but the bullet ricocheted off the animal, hit a fence and went into the back door of his mother-in-law's mobile home -- a distance of about 100 yards.
Then it went through the recliner where the 74-year-old woman was sitting and into her back, according to WFSB.com.
Carol Johnson, 74, was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover, according to KPTV.com.
Officials have not said whether McElroy faces any charges for the shooting.
James Morgan, the Dougherty County Extension Coordinator, told WALB TV that shooting armadillos is recommended for residents that live in the county, or a trap can be used to capture them.
"At first I ask if they live in the city or county, because shooting is an effective way of getting rid of them. However, you have to be safe when you do that," Morgan told the station.
20 Years Of Free Journalism
Your Support Fuels Our Mission
Your Support Fuels Our Mission
For two decades, HuffPost has been fearless, unflinching, and relentless in pursuit of the truth. Support our mission to keep us around for the next 20 — we can't do this without you.
We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.
Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again.
We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.
Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
20 Years Of Free Journalism
For two decades, HuffPost has been fearless, unflinching, and relentless in pursuit of the truth. Support our mission to keep us around for the next 20 — we can't do this without you.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
UPDATE: This version of the story includes quotes from James Morgan about shooting armadillos.
Like Us On Facebook | 
Follow Us On Twitter | 
Contact The Author