Armadillos are present and common throughout Arkansas. These unique, armored mammals successfully established themselves across the landscape after expanding their range northward over the last century. While once considered a novelty, the armadillo’s presence now affects both the state’s natural ecosystem and the daily lives of residents. This article explores the history of their arrival, where they can be found, and the practical impacts of their habitation.
The Nine-banded Armadillo’s Spread into Arkansas
The species of armadillo found in Arkansas is the Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). This species began expanding its range from South America, moving northward into the United States through Mexico and Texas in the mid-19th century. The first official report of an armadillo in northern Arkansas occurred around 1921. These early sightings may have represented individuals transported by people rather than established populations.
By 1944, armadillos were well-established in the southwestern portion of the state, having migrated from neighboring Louisiana and Texas. This movement continued, and the species was reported statewide by 1990, demonstrating widespread colonization. Their expansion is partly due to the mild winters in the South. These mammals are sensitive to prolonged freezing temperatures because they lack the ability to regulate their body temperature efficiently.
Their northward progression has been measured at an estimated rate of four to ten kilometers per year. This is a relatively rapid spread for a mammal. The lack of large natural predators has further enabled their colonization across the region. Today, the Nine-banded Armadillo is a permanent fixture in the state’s wildlife population.
Where Armadillos Are Found and Their Preferred Habitats
While initially concentrated in the southern and western parts of Arkansas, the armadillo is now found in all regions, including suburban areas. These animals seek out environments that offer soft, loose soil for digging and abundant food sources. Preferred habitats include wooded bottomlands, dense brush, pine forests, and areas adjacent to water sources like streams and rivers.
The armadillo’s survival depends heavily on its ability to burrow, which it uses to escape temperature extremes and predators. A single armadillo may maintain multiple burrows, with tunnels ranging from six to twenty-six feet in length. Their diet is a determining factor in habitat selection, consisting of 75 to 90 percent invertebrates, primarily beetles and their larvae. The presence of these food sources, often found in rich, damp soil, draws them into residential areas.
Concerns for Residents: Property Damage and Health
The armadillo’s extensive burrowing and foraging habits are the primary source of conflict with Arkansas residents. When searching for subsurface insects and grubs, they create small, shallow holes in lawns and gardens, typically one to three inches deep and three to five inches wide. This foraging behavior can quickly damage turfgrass, uproot ornamental plants, and leave yards looking disturbed.
More serious property damage occurs when armadillos dig deeper burrows near structures. These tunnels can undermine house foundations, crack concrete driveways, and create tripping hazards in pastures. Managing these pests often involves trapping and relocation, which is permitted under state regulations. Local ordinances must also be considered.
A public health concern associated with armadillos is their capacity to carry the bacteria that causes Hansen’s disease (leprosy). Armadillos are one of the few mammals, besides humans, known to harbor Mycobacterium leprae. The risk of transmission to humans is low, but a genetic match has been established between the bacterial strain found in armadillos and some human cases in the Southern United States, including Arkansas. Transmission most often occurs through frequent, direct contact, such as handling or consuming the animal. Experts advise against touching or handling any wild armadillo to minimize this low health risk.