The Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a unique mammal, easily recognizable by the bony, armor-like plates covering its body. While historically associated with the American Southwest, this species is now definitively found in North Carolina. Their presence is a relatively recent biological event, marking an ongoing northward and eastward expansion. This shift has led to a growing number of sightings, signaling the armadillo’s establishment in North Carolina’s wildlife population.
Confirmation of Armadillo Presence
The armadillo is not native to North Carolina; its historical range originated in Central and South America, centered further south and west. The species has been steadily moving across the southern United States for over a century, appearing in Texas in the mid-1800s. The first confirmed sighting in North Carolina was documented in Macon County in 2007, indicating arrival from adjacent states like Georgia and South Carolina. Wildlife officials have since received hundreds of reports across more than 70 of the state’s counties. The accelerated rate of confirmed sightings verifies the armadillo’s status as established wildlife, particularly in the western third of the state.
Factors Driving Range Expansion
The primary factor enabling the armadillo’s successful colonization of North Carolina is the moderation of winter temperatures. Armadillos lack the insulating layer of fat and thick fur, making them highly susceptible to prolonged freezing conditions. Milder winters, characterized by fewer consecutive days below freezing, have removed the major biological barrier that historically limited their northward spread. As populations in neighboring states grew, the natural dispersal of younger animals searching for new habitats led to a “spillover” effect into North Carolina. The armadillo’s diet of insects and invertebrates, including invasive species like fire ants, provides a reliable food source.
Current Geographic Distribution in NC
Armadillo populations are most concentrated in the western third of North Carolina, particularly in the Southern Mountains and the southwestern Piedmont region, near the borders with Georgia and South Carolina. This area is where the species is currently established and reproducing. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission actively tracks these reports to monitor the expansion.
Sightings are not limited to the west, with credible observations extending into the central Piedmont and eastward into the Coastal Plain. The armadillo’s preferred habitat includes wooded areas with dense cover and sandy or clay-rich soils, which are ideal for burrowing and foraging activities. The presence of these soil types and the temperate climate of the Coastal Plain suggest this region is suitable for future population growth.
Recognizing Armadillos and Resident Guidance
The Nine-banded Armadillo is identifiable by its unique appearance, which includes a carapace of bony plates and a long, scaly tail. They are typically nocturnal and forage by rooting in the soil with a long, pig-like snout, creating shallow, cone-shaped holes in lawns and gardens. This foraging behavior, along with the digging of burrows that can weaken foundations or damage utility lines, is the most common cause of human-wildlife conflict.
Residents should be aware that armadillos can carry the bacteria (Mycobacterium leprae) that causes Hansen’s disease (leprosy), although the risk of transmission to humans is low. Only a small percentage of armadillos are infected, and most people possess a natural immunity to the bacteria. To minimize risk, the public is advised against handling armadillos, particularly sick or dead animals, and should wear gloves if any contact is necessary. If an armadillo is causing property damage, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission should be contacted for guidance, as relocating the animals is illegal in the state.