The Nine-banded Armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, is a unique mammal instantly recognizable by the bony, plated carapace that covers its body. It is the only armadillo species found in the United States. While the armadillo may now seem like a native fixture across the Southeast, its established presence in Georgia is a relatively modern phenomenon. The species successfully migrated and colonized new territory over a span of just a few generations.
Armadillos’ Initial Spread Across the Southern US
The armadillo’s historical North American range was originally confined south of the Rio Grande in Mexico. The modern expansion into the US began when the first significant movement across the Rio Grande into Texas occurred in the mid-1800s. Texas served as the species’ initial foothold in the country.
From Texas, the population began a slow but persistent eastward and northward expansion. By the 1930s, armadillos were documented in Louisiana, and by the mid-1950s, they were spreading into Arkansas and Mississippi. A separate introduction, likely facilitated by humans, also established a breeding population in Florida around the 1950s. These two fronts—the natural spread from the west and the introduced population in the east—created the conditions for their eventual arrival in Georgia.
Documenting the Arrival in Georgia
The expansion into Georgia followed the established populations in neighboring states, occurring through two primary routes: a natural migration from Alabama and a northward spread from Florida. While a definitive “first sighting” date is difficult to pinpoint for this gradual biological migration, armadillos were reliably documented in Georgia by the 1970s and 1980s. By 1995, the species had become an established component of the state’s fauna.
Initial sightings most likely occurred in the counties bordering Alabama and Florida, particularly in the southern and southwestern parts of the state. The species’ establishment was gradual, suggesting a slow process of colonization. Human activity also accelerated the spread, as accidental transport, such as animals hitching rides in vehicles or being intentionally relocated, helped establish new populations. The construction of roads and bridges also provided pathways that helped the animals bypass natural obstacles, facilitating their movement into new areas.
Environmental Factors Driving Eastern Expansion
The successful colonization of new territories is attributed to a combination of biological traits and environmental conditions. The primary factor limiting their northern movement is their low tolerance for sustained cold temperatures. Armadillos possess minimal body fat reserves and lack the dense fur necessary to maintain body heat during extended periods of freezing weather. Milder winter seasons in the Southeast have progressively opened up new northern territories, allowing the species to establish year-round populations.
The Nine-banded Armadillo’s reproductive strategy also drives its rapid range expansion. The species exhibits obligate polyembryony, where a single fertilized egg consistently divides into four genetically identical embryos. This results in the birth of four same-sex quadruplets in every litter, providing a high reproductive rate that allows populations to grow and disperse quickly. Furthermore, the lack of effective natural predators in their expanded US range contributes to greater survival rates. While coyotes and bobcats may prey on them, most armadillo mortality is attributed to collisions with automobiles.
Current Distribution and Human Interaction in Georgia
The armadillo is now a common presence throughout the southern and central regions of Georgia and continues to expand its range northward. Reports confirm their presence as far north as Athens and Rome. They thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, scrublands, and human-created habitats like parks and golf courses, showing a preference for areas with soft, moist soil that is easy to dig.
The armadillo’s presence often leads to challenging interactions for homeowners. Their primary diet consists of insects, grubs, and other invertebrates, which they locate by rooting and digging shallow, cone-shaped holes. This foraging behavior is the source of the most frequent complaints, as it damages lawns, gardens, and landscaping. The species can also carry the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which causes Hansen’s Disease in humans, though the risk of transmission is low and associated with regular, direct handling of the animal.