Armadillos, with their unique armored appearance, often raise questions about their presence in unexpected regions. Many wonder if these creatures, more commonly associated with southern landscapes, have established themselves in states like Kansas. This reflects a broader interest in understanding wildlife distribution and how species adapt to new environments.
Armadillos in Kansas: A Confirmed Presence
Armadillos are present in Kansas and are no longer rare visitors, having become established residents across much of the state. The nine-banded armadillo, the only armadillo species found in the United States, was first reported in Kansas during the 1940s. By the 1990s, their presence became common, and today, Kansas hosts a substantial breeding population. They are now found throughout the state, especially in areas with vegetation cover.
Their Journey Northward
The nine-banded armadillo’s expansion into Kansas is part of a northward migration from its original range in Central and South America. This dispersal began by 1854 when they crossed the Rio Grande into South Texas, reaching southern Oklahoma by 1936. Several factors contribute to this expansion, including warmer winter temperatures and the armadillos’ adaptability to various habitats. While cold temperatures were once thought to limit their spread, milder winters have allowed them to survive and reproduce further north.
Beyond climate, suitable soil for digging their burrows is also a factor. Human activities have also played a role; for example, some armadillos may have been inadvertently transported northward via farm machinery. A decrease in hunting pressure and large predators, coupled with increased population density, encourages emigration into new territories.
Identifying Characteristics and Common Behaviors
Nine-banded armadillos are recognizable by their bony, segmented shell, which covers their back, sides, tail, and the top of their head. This armor, from which they get their name “little armored one,” features 8 to 11 movable bands across their back, usually nine. They are about the size of a house cat, weighing 8 to 17 pounds and measuring 21.5 to 48 inches long, including their tail. Their front feet have strong, curved claws well-suited for digging.
Armadillos are primarily nocturnal, foraging for insects and other invertebrates. They may be active during the day in colder months. They possess a keen sense of smell, which aids them in locating food underground. When startled, they can jump high, a defensive mechanism.
Living Alongside Armadillos
Armadillos are not aggressive and pose no direct threat to humans. However, they are active diggers, and their foraging habits often lead to property damage. They create shallow holes, typically 3 to 6 inches deep and up to 6 inches wide, in lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas while searching for food. Their burrowing can also undermine foundations, driveways, or sidewalks, leading to cracks.
While armadillos are known to carry bacteria that causes leprosy, transmission to humans is rare and typically requires direct contact with bodily fluids or consumption of undercooked meat. To coexist with armadillos, residents can secure gardens or avoid direct contact with the animals. If digging becomes problematic, professional wildlife services can assist with humane removal and offer advice on making properties less attractive to them.