Yes, armadillos are present and well-established in Georgia. The species found throughout the state is the Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). They have become a common sight, particularly in the central and southern parts of Georgia, a significant change from their historical range.
Nine-Banded Armadillo Identification
The Nine-banded armadillo is easily recognizable due to the bony, plate-like armor, or carapace, that covers its body. Despite its name, the number of movable bands across its midsection can range from seven to eleven, though nine is the most common count, allowing the animal to bend. Adults typically weigh between 8 and 17 pounds and measure around 24 to 32 inches long.
These animals are primarily solitary and nocturnal, often foraging around dusk and into the night, though they may be active during warmer daytime hours in winter. Their long, sharp claws and powerful legs are adapted for digging and creating burrows. While historically concentrated in Georgia’s southern and coastal regions, their range has expanded northward, reaching cities like Athens and Rome.
Tracking Their Migration into Georgia
The presence of the Nine-banded armadillo in Georgia is a relatively recent development. Armadillos crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas in the late 19th century and began a rapid eastward and northward spread across the United States. They reached Louisiana by the 1930s and crossed the Mississippi River by the 1950s, entering the Southeast.
Their rapid dispersal is aided by human infrastructure like bridges and mild climate conditions. Today, the species is established throughout all of Georgia. Further expansion is primarily limited by the Appalachian Mountains and sustained cold temperatures below 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Managing Armadillo Presence and Impact
Homeowners often notice armadillos due to the damage caused by their foraging for food. Armadillos use their sensitive nose and strong claws to dig for insects and invertebrates, including beetle larvae, grubs, and ants. This digging results in shallow, conical holes, typically one to three inches deep and three to five inches wide, often seen in lawns, gardens, and golf courses.
A public health consideration associated with armadillos is their capacity to carry the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, the agent that causes leprosy in humans. While transmission is rare, most cases linked to armadillos are reported in Texas and Louisiana, though some Georgia cases have documented exposure. Experts advise against handling armadillos or consuming their meat. Non-lethal management focuses on exclusion, such as installing fences buried several inches deep, or modifying the habitat by eliminating insect food sources through grub control applications.