Armadillos are present in Missouri. The Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) has become an established part of the state’s wildlife. While not historically found in Missouri, their populations have expanded significantly in recent decades and are now commonly encountered.
Armadillos’ Arrival and Spread in Missouri
The Nine-banded Armadillo, the only armadillo species found in North America, began its northward expansion from its southern ranges. This species first appeared in Texas around 1849, migrating from Central and South America, and steadily extended its range across the United States.
Armadillos were first documented in southernmost Missouri by the mid-1970s, becoming more commonly observed by the 1980s. Their spread is influenced by factors like a lack of natural predators, adaptation to new environments, and warmer winters. Armadillos have minimal body fat and do not hibernate, making them vulnerable to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Currently, armadillos are common throughout the southern half of Missouri, with established populations extending across the state and into southern Iowa. Though the Missouri River was once a potential northern boundary, sightings north of the river demonstrate their continued dispersal. This natural range expansion means armadillos are considered a native species in Missouri, having arrived on their own.
Understanding Missouri’s Armadillos
The Nine-banded Armadillo is distinctive and cannot be mistaken for other mammals in Missouri. They are roughly the size of an opossum or a large house cat, typically weighing between 11 and 14 pounds, with a total length ranging from 23 to 31 inches, including a tail that can be 9.5 to 14.5 inches long. Their most recognizable feature is their protective armor, composed of hardened plates of skin covering their head, body, and tail, with nine flexible bands around their midsection.
Armadillos primarily consume insects and other invertebrates, classifying them as insectivores. Their diet includes ants, beetles (adults and larvae), flies, earthworms, grubs, and spiders, which they locate using their acute sense of smell. They use their strong claws to dig for food and their sticky tongues to capture prey.
In Missouri, armadillos inhabit a variety of terrestrial environments, showing a preference for oak-hickory or shortleaf pine forests. They also frequent wooded bottomlands, brushy areas, and fields that offer ground cover and loose soil suitable for digging burrows. These burrows, which can be 7-8 inches in diameter and up to 15 feet long, provide shelter and serve as nesting sites.
Coexisting with Armadillos
Observing signs of armadillo activity is more common than direct encounters, as these animals are primarily nocturnal. Common indicators include shallow, conical holes in lawns, gardens, and flower beds, typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide. They also cause damage by uprooting plants and disturbing soil while foraging.
Armadillos are generally docile and non-aggressive. When startled, they may jump straight up, a reflex that can lead to vehicle collisions. While their digging habits can be a nuisance for homeowners, several methods can help deter them. Removing debris and brushy areas can make properties less appealing. Fencing is another effective approach; an outward-slanted fence, about 2 feet high with a portion buried 8 to 12 inches into the ground, can create a barrier.
Armadillos are known carriers of the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which causes Hansen’s disease (leprosy). However, the risk of transmission to humans from casual contact is very low. There have been no confirmed armadillo-transmitted leprosy cases in Missouri. It is advisable to wear gloves if handling an armadillo, whether alive or deceased, and to avoid consuming armadillo meat.