Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are established residents in South Carolina, and their population is actively expanding throughout the state. This unique mammal, known for its protective, bony shell, is not native to the region but has successfully migrated and adapted to the Palmetto State’s climate and ecosystems. The species’ presence has become increasingly noticeable over the past few decades, transitioning from a rare sight to a common source of inquiry for homeowners and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Their continued movement northward is a remarkable example of a non-native species establishing a permanent foothold in a new environment.
Arrival and Current Range in South Carolina
The armadillo’s journey into South Carolina is part of a larger, ongoing biological expansion across the southeastern United States, originating from its native range in Central and South America. Armadillos entered the U.S. through Texas in the late 1800s and were also introduced to Florida around the same time. The population that moved into South Carolina came from a natural push north and east from Georgia and Florida, with the first sightings in the state occurring in the mid-1980s, primarily in the southwestern region near the Savannah River basin.
Initially, the population was concentrated in the sandy, soft soils of the Lowcountry and Coastal Plain. Data from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) confirms they have spread into all 46 counties of the state. This expansion includes the Piedmont and mountain regions, where they navigate the heavy red clay soils. The warmer climate and lack of natural predators in the state are primary factors driving this northern progression.
Identifying the Nine-Banded Armadillo
The species found throughout South Carolina is the nine-banded armadillo, recognizable by its distinctive physical characteristics. They are medium-sized mammals, averaging between 8 and 17 pounds, with a body length of about 15 to 17 inches and a tail nearly as long. Their most defining feature is the carapace, an armor-like covering made of bony plates called scutes, which protects the head, body, and tail.
This armor is segmented, featuring a shoulder shield, a pelvic shield, and a midsection with approximately nine movable bands that allow for flexibility. The armadillo has a small, pointed head with a long snout, and it uses its powerful front feet, equipped with large, sharp claws, for digging. They are insectivores, utilizing a keen sense of smell to locate and dig up prey like grubs, beetles, and worms, which make up the majority of their diet.
Dealing with Armadillos as Nuisance Wildlife
Armadillos are increasingly recognized as a nuisance species due to their persistent digging behavior. The most common complaints involve the damage caused by their foraging, which manifests as numerous shallow, cone-shaped holes and disturbed turf in lawns, gardens, and golf courses. Armadillos also excavate extensive burrows, which can be up to 15 feet long and 8 inches in diameter, potentially undermining concrete foundations, driveways, and other structures.
The SCDNR does not classify armadillos as a protected species, meaning they can be legally trapped or removed on private land without a closed season, provided the person has a valid hunting license. While trapping is permissible, it is illegal in South Carolina to transport and release a captured armadillo to a new location. Armadillos are the only other mammal besides humans that can be naturally infected with Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes Hansen’s Disease (leprosy). The risk of transmission to humans is extremely low, but wildlife officials advise against handling armadillos with bare hands and avoiding contact with their blood or bodily fluids.