Armadillos are present in South Carolina, a notable shift in their historical distribution. These unique mammals are recognized by their distinctive bony shell.
Identifying Armadillos
The nine-banded armadillos, the species found in South Carolina, typically measures 15 to 17 inches in body length with an additional 14 to 16 inches for its tail, weighing between 8 to 17 pounds. Their most distinguishing feature is the hard, armor-like carapace, which covers their head, body, and tail. This covering is made of bony plates and features 7 to 11 movable bands around its midsection, allowing for flexibility.
They have a small, pointed head with a long snout, small eyes, and prominent ears. Powerful claws on their short legs are adapted for digging. Though often appearing hairless, they have small amounts of bristly hair.
Their Journey to South Carolina
Armadillos, originally native to South and Central America, have significantly expanded their range northward into the United States. The nine-banded armadillo first crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas in the late 19th century. Their spread was also aided by human introductions, such as in Florida where some animals escaped captivity in the early 20th century.
Over the past century, these creatures have steadily moved eastward and northward across the southeastern United States. By the mid-1990s, they were well-established in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Factors contributing to their expansion include mild winters, which allow them to survive in new territories, and changes in habitat. The lack of natural predators in these new areas has also facilitated their population growth and spread.
Armadillos in the South Carolina Landscape
Armadillos have established a significant presence across South Carolina, now found in all 46 counties. They prefer habitats with dense, shady cover, such as woodlands, forests, and areas near creeks and rivers, often choosing locations with soft, easily diggable soil. These animals are primarily insectivores, with over 90% of their diet consisting of insects and other invertebrates like grubs, earthworms, scorpions, and spiders. They use their keen sense of smell and strong claws to locate and dig for food, often leaving characteristic cone-shaped holes in lawns and gardens.
Armadillos are mainly nocturnal, becoming active from twilight through early morning, though they may forage during the day in cooler months. Their burrowing habits can lead to property damage, as they dig burrows up to 15 feet long and 7 to 8 inches in diameter, often beneath foundations, concrete slabs, and driveways. While generally not aggressive, armadillos can carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for leprosy, and Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Although transmission to humans is rare, it is advisable to avoid direct contact with armadillos or their bodily fluids.