The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the only armadillo species commonly found throughout the southern and southeastern United States. Identifying the tracks of this unique, armored mammal can be challenging because its unusual gait and body structure often obscure the details of individual prints. Learning to recognize the specific features of its forefeet, hindfeet, and the overall trail pattern provides a clear method for confirming an armadillo’s activity in a given area. Understanding these signs is helpful for managing property or simply appreciating the wildlife that passes through.
Anatomy of the Armadillo Footprint
The armadillo’s forefoot and hindfoot prints display distinct differences. The front foot is highly adapted for excavating burrows and foraging for insects, leading to four prominent, deeply set claw marks typically registering in the soil. While the forefoot structurally possesses five toes, the outer two are often shorter or held higher, resulting in only the four main digits and their robust claws leaving a clear impression. The pad of the forefoot is small and narrow, measuring approximately 1.75 inches long, which contrasts sharply with the disproportionately long and powerful claws.
The hindfoot, by comparison, is more plantigrade, meaning the animal walks with the sole of the foot flat on the ground. This print is generally longer and broader, often measuring around 2.25 inches in length. The hindfoot clearly shows five toes, though the outer two toes may sometimes be faint or missing from the impression, particularly in soft substrates. The print registers a larger, more solid heel pad compared to the front foot, but the claw marks are less exaggerated than those of the forefoot. The overall appearance of the hind print is more flat-footed and less digitated than the front print.
Interpreting the Armadillo Trail
The overall pattern of the tracks reveals the animal’s characteristic movement. Armadillos move with a narrow, waddling gait that results in the prints being placed closely together along a relatively straight, linear path. This motion often leads to the hindfoot stepping partially over or slightly in front of the forefoot print, creating a staggered and uneven stride pattern. The resulting track line can appear slightly messy or erratic, reflecting their slow, wandering method of foraging.
A defining characteristic of an armadillo trail that is seldom seen in other common mammals is a faint but continuous drag mark between the left and right prints. This subtle line is left by the armadillo’s low-slung tail or the edge of its hard, bony carapace as the animal moves along the ground. Furthermore, the animal’s habit of rooting for food leaves small, cone-shaped foraging pits that frequently accompany the track line, confirming the presence of the animal.
Distinguishing Armadillo Tracks from Other Wildlife
Armadillo tracks are sometimes mistaken for those of medium-sized mammals like the raccoon, opossum, or skunk due to similar size ranges and five-toed structures. The most reliable differentiator is the extreme prominence and depth of the armadillo’s claw marks, particularly on the forefoot. These long, thick claws are permanently extended for digging and leave deep, unmistakable impressions.
Conversely, a raccoon’s print is more hand-like, featuring five slender, well-splayed toes and only faint claw marks. The opossum’s hind print is distinct due to a large, opposable, thumb-like toe set at a wide angle, a feature absent in the armadillo. Skunk tracks also show five toes and non-retractable claws, but they typically have a more rounded shape and shorter claw marks relative to the size of the pad.