The nine-banded armadillo, recognizable by its bony, protective shell, has expanded its range across the southern United States. These animals are largely nocturnal and primarily forage for insects, often venturing close to human habitation. While their shy disposition means they are rarely aggressive, their potential danger stems from both physical interaction and the serious health risks they may carry. Armadillos are not physically threatening to humans unless handled, but they pose a distinct threat through disease transmission that necessitates caution.
Understanding Armadillo Behavior
Armadillos are driven by their search for food, which consists mainly of grubs, worms, and other small invertebrates found just beneath the soil surface. They possess poor eyesight but have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to locate prey up to six inches underground. This foraging behavior explains why they are frequently seen rooting around lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds, often creating small, cone-shaped holes.
When an armadillo encounters a human or a perceived predator, its typical reaction is not aggression. The animal is more likely to flee quickly, freeze in place, or make a sudden vertical jump. This surprising leap is a defensive tactic designed to startle a predator, but it often leads to their demise on roadways. Any interaction with humans is usually accidental and motivated by their instinct to escape.
Physical Danger and Property Nuisance
The risk of physical harm from an armadillo is low and always a result of direct human provocation. Bites or scratches are rare and occur primarily when a person attempts to capture, corner, or handle the animal. Armadillos have strong claws adapted for digging, which can inflict injuries if they are struggling to get free.
The primary conflict armadillos create for homeowners is property damage caused by their persistent digging. They excavate extensive burrow systems that can be up to 15 feet deep, often positioning them beneath concrete slabs, porches, or house foundations. This tunneling can destabilize structures and crack pavement, leading to costly repairs. Furthermore, their foraging activities leave behind numerous three-to-five-inch-wide holes in lawns, creating tripping hazards.
Their constant search for soil invertebrates can destroy landscaping, as they overturn sod and uproot plants to reach their meal. This damage is a significant nuisance that often prompts homeowners to attempt removal, which inadvertently increases the chance of close contact. Even a simple barrier like a shallow fence is often ineffective, as armadillos can burrow underneath or climb over obstacles to access food.
Disease Transmission: The Primary Health Concern
The most significant danger associated with armadillos is their capacity to carry and transmit pathogens. The nine-banded armadillo is noteworthy because it is one of the only animals besides humans known to naturally host the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This bacterium is the causative agent of Hansen’s disease, a chronic infection that affects the skin, nerves, and respiratory tract.
Scientists believe the armadillo’s low body temperature, which is cooler than most mammals, provides an ideal environment for the slow-growing M. leprae bacterium. The risk of contracting the disease from an armadillo is small, as an estimated 95% of people have a natural immunity to the bacterium. However, in regions where armadillos are common, direct or frequent contact has been linked to human cases of Hansen’s disease.
Transmission occurs most often through repeated handling of an infected animal or the consumption of undercooked armadillo meat. The bacterium can enter the body through cuts or scrapes after touching the armadillo’s blood, tissue, or droppings. Cases of zoonotic leprosy, transmitted from an animal to a person, have been documented in the southern United states, including Texas, Florida, and Louisiana.
Beyond M. leprae, armadillos can also be vectors for other health issues. They have been known to carry Salmonella bacteria, which is transmitted through their feces and can contaminate soil or surfaces. This bacterial infection can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, especially in young children or those with compromised immune systems. Although uncommon, armadillos are also susceptible to the rabies virus. Any wild animal exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior, lack of fear, or uncoordinated movement should be treated with caution as a potential rabies carrier.
Strategies for Safe Coexistence
The most effective method for minimizing risk is to avoid direct contact with armadillos, whether the animal is alive or deceased. If an armadillo is found on a property, it should never be handled. Professional wildlife control services should be contacted for trapping and removal, as they can perform the task safely and humanely.
Prevention strategies focus on making the yard an undesirable habitat. Since armadillos are attracted by their insect food source, applying grub control treatments to the lawn can reduce their motivation for digging. Exclusion techniques, such as installing a perimeter fence that extends at least one foot underground, can physically block their access. Removing piles of brush and wood and avoiding excessive lawn watering also helps, as armadillos prefer areas with cover and moist, loose soil.
In the event of a scratch or bite, the wound should be immediately washed with soap and water. Seeking medical attention is advisable to assess the risk of infection and determine if preventative treatment is necessary. Gloves should be used when cleaning up any area where armadillos have been active, such as filling in their holes or removing contaminated soil.