Armadillo

Armadillos in Florida

Approximately 20 species of armadillo exist, but the nine-banded armadillo is the only one found in the United States. Armadillo means “little armored one” in Spanish and refers to the presence of bony, armor-like plates covering their body. When startled or scared, these armadillos can jump 4 to 5 feet high in the air. Found throughout the southeastern United States, these digging and burrowing mammals are a nuisance to homeowners as they destroy landscape in their pursuit of food and shelter.

Armadillo Habitat

In the wild, armadillos prefer warm, wet climates and can be found in forest and scrub-brush areas in tropical and temperate regions. Armadillos are omnivores and prefer to construct their underground burrows in forests where they forage in forest litter for plants and small invertebrates. Armadillos construct their own burrows or use the burrow of another armadillo, tortoise, or naturally occurring holes. They do not hibernate and can not tolerate high temperatures above 85 degrees F. Their abandoned burrows are utilized by other animals, such as pine snakes, rabbits, opossums, striped skunks, burrowing owls, and snakes.

Armadillo Threats or Dangers

In their quest for shelter and insects, armadillos destroy lawns and gardens in the process and are considered destructive animals. Armadillos are powerful diggers and will burrow under plants in landscape, foundations, and driveways. They are capable of destabilizing tree root systems and building foundations with their tunnels. Additionally, armadillos have been known to be carriers of mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy. They can also carry tapeworms and salmonella in their feces. If Armadillos are an issue, it’s best to have them removed humanely by a professional wildlife control company.