Armadillo translates to “little armored one” in Spanish, which describes their hard, bony exterior.
Armadillo's natural habitat is areas along waterways and forests with leaf litter. This is because these areas house their main food source — insects.
A study with the US Geological Survey compiled data from states that armadillos are expanding into, including Indiana. While the animal has been in the state for over 20 years, the study provided an update on their expansion. This has led news outlets to report on it once again.
Sightings have been reported in almost 40 counties, with the highest numbers in Pike and Vigo counties.
Brad Westrich, state mammologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said milder winters in Indiana have to do with their northward expansion.
“This succession of mild winters, is allowing these animals to move further north, and then they survive that winter, and then they reproduce, and then their young are able to move even further north. ”
Other than humans, nine-banded armadillos are the only other known animal to carry Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy).
The transmission of the disease from animal to human is “possible, but unlikely,” according to the CDC.
Westrich said the animal won’t cause harm to humans, as long as people don’t provoke them.
“Appreciate the observation for what it is, but treat this wild animal like a wild animal. You know, don't try to touch it. Don't mess with it, because, you know, they will defend themselves.”
Armadillos have been observed to vertically jump three to five feet when threatened, as well as burrow quickly with their sharp claws.
They have poor vision, so they may get close to humans before smelling or hearing their presence and running away.
They are protected under Indiana Administrative Code, which means they cannot be trapped or killed unless the armadillo has destroyed or caused substantial damage to property.
Armadillo sightings can be reported on the Indiana DNR website’s ‘Report a Mammal’ form.
You can learn more about the USGS survey here.
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