Fun Facts About Armadillos
- They are the only mammals with a hard shell.
- They flee into thorny patches that predators avoid and dig their way to safety.
- Armadillos always give birth to four identical pups. Their embryo splits into four. This makes them good candidates for fertility research.
- Babies leave their mothers around six months of age.
- They travel alone. You will not find a family of armadillos together.
- Armadillos leap into the air when surprised to scare their aggressor. However, if they’ve been surprised by a car, the jump aligns them perfectly with the car’s grill.
- They can hold their breath for six minutes.
- They are the last of an order of other mammals with bony armor called Cingulata.
If you are traveling on Missouri highways, you may pass by some unusual “roadkill.” Armadillos have expanded beyond their typical southern habitat and are now seen in southern Missouri, with some sightings as far north as the Missouri-Iowa border. Reasons for their habitat expansion are unclear, but some point to milder winters, which suit this cold-intolerant species well.
Do Armadillos Carry Leprosy?
They can possibly carry leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae), but not all of them do. An armadillo’s body temperature is low enough to make it a perfect host for the leprosy bacteria. Genetic studies suggest that leprosy bacteria were introduced to armadillos by early European settlers.
Will I Get Leprosy from Touching an Armadillo?
While this may sound alarming, actual cases of leprosy transmitted from armadillos are extremely rare. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, cannot be passed on just by being near an armadillo. There must be physical contact with their body fluids.
Even then, the risk for transmission is very low. So before you start to worry, consider these facts:
- More than 95% of all people have natural immunity to the disease.
- Leprosy is highly treatable with standard antibiotics.
- There are only 150-250 cases of leprosy in the United States every year, but most of those are from individuals traveling outside the country.
- The exact amount is not known, but only a very small number of leprosy cases in the United States are from armadillos.
Where Do They Live?
There are several species of armadillos, but the nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the United States. This species thrives in warm environments, with a range extending from Texas and Oklahoma through the Gulf Coast states to Florida and up into parts of the Southeast.
Other species inhabit cooler regions near the Andes mountains, demonstrating the group’s ability to adapt to varying climates. Although the nine-banded armadillo is less tolerant of cold, it can endure cooler temperatures when food and shelter are available. In recent years, this species has expanded its range into southern Illinois, most likely due to milder winters and a warming climate.
Nine-banded armadillos prefer areas with loose, sandy soil that’s easy to dig. They’re commonly found in forests, grasslands, and scrublands where they can burrow effectively.
Can You Eat One?
Many different cultures have regularly eaten armadillos, but it’s important to recognize the health risks involved. Undercooking or cross-contaminating it with raw meat or fluids may transfer diseases or parasites to the consumer. Armadillos may carry tapeworms or leprosy, which can infect someone who eats improperly cooked meat.
Do They Bite?
Armadillos have tiny mouths and small peg-like teeth used for grinding; therefore, they do not bite. Their teeth are designed for crushing insects and other small invertebrates, not for defense or attacking. If an armadillo feels threatened, it’s far more likely to run away or jump.
This doesn’t mean you should attempt to handle wild armadillos, however. While they won’t bite, they can scratch with their sharp claws if cornered or frightened. Always maintain a safe distance from any wild animal.
The nine-banded armadillo cannot curl up into its shell, unlike its cousin, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo.
What Other Diseases Do Armadillos Carry?
In addition to leprosy, armadillos may also carry rabies. However, rabies cases in these animals are exceptionally rare due to their low body temperature. Their cool body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to thrive.
Armadillos can also carry salmonella and other bacteria or parasites in their droppings and on their bodies. Contact with contaminated soil or surfaces where these animals have been can pose health risks. This is why it’s important to avoid areas with armadillo waste and to wash thoroughly if exposed.
Are Armadillos Dangerous?
Armadillos are nocturnal and non-aggressive animals, sleeping during the day deep inside their burrows and appearing at night to dig and forage. They can be a big nuisance for homeowners because of their natural tendency to dig deep tunnels, which can be located under existing structures, such as sidewalks, AC units, fuel tanks, or the foundation of the home. Burrows can weaken soil under patios, sidewalks, or small foundations. Homeowners often want to remove armadillos from their property to avoid any damage; this is when most contact between people and armadillos can occur.
Although the armadillo is not aggressive, it is a wild animal that can potentially spread disease to humans if handled or eaten. As with any wild animal, they can transmit rabies, although this is very rare.
How Can I Avoid Contracting Leprosy from an Armadillo?
The best way to avoid contracting the leprosy bacteria from an armadillo is to keep your distance.
- Do not dig in soil that has obvious armadillo excrement (waste) present.
- If you have hit one with your vehicle, promptly wash down any areas with blood present.
- Do not eat armadillo meat.
- If there is an armadillo in your yard, it is best to hire a professional wildlife trapping company. Armadillos are very difficult to trap. Additionally, there are various state and local laws regarding the trapping and handling of armadillos.
For any questions or concerns, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions. The service is free and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Armadillos are naturally sensitive to cold temperatures, but milder winters and changing climate conditions have allowed them to survive farther north than before. Additionally, armadillos are opportunistic foragers. As long as they can find insects and soft soil to dig in, they can adapt to new habitats. Reduced competition from other burrowing animals may also help their continued expansion.
Armadillos play an important role in controlling insect populations. Their constant digging helps aerate the soil, which can benefit plant growth. However, this same digging can disrupt lawns, gardens, and ground-nesting wildlife habitats, making them both helpful and occasionally troublesome in local ecosystems.
If an armadillo is digging in your yard, it’s best to avoid direct contact. Bright lights, loud noises, or mild repellents may encourage it to move on. For persistent problems, contact a licensed wildlife control professional who understands local trapping regulations. Relocating or handling armadillos on your own can lead to legal or safety issues.
In the wild, nine-banded armadillos live on average between 12 and 15 years, with a wider range of 7 to 20 years. They can live longer in captivity where threats from predators, vehicles, and disease are controlled. Their tough armor helps protect them from natural predators, but habitat loss and road traffic significantly shorten their lifespan.
Surprisingly, yes! Armadillos are capable swimmers despite their heavy armor. They can hold their breath for several minutes or will inflate their digestive systems with air to help them float across rivers or streams. This ability allows them to move freely through their surroundings and contributes to how quickly they spread to new areas.
Referencing content from this page? Please attribute the Missouri Poison Center with either of these links: https://missouripoisoncenter.org/ or https://missouripoisoncenter.org/armadillo-the-little-armored-one/
Suggested APA citation:
Missouri Poison Center Trending Topics Blog. (2019, August 06). Armadillo – The Little Armored One. Missouri Poison Center. https://missouripoisoncenter.org/armadillo-the-little-armored-one/