Armadillos are present in Tennessee, and their population has increased across the state in recent decades. The nine-banded armadillo has become a common sight, establishing itself in various habitats throughout Tennessee. Their presence results from a natural range expansion, marking a significant shift in the state’s wildlife.
Armadillos’ Journey to Tennessee
Armadillos originated in Central and South America. The nine-banded armadillo began expanding its range northward into the United States in the mid-19th century, crossing the Rio Grande to establish populations in states like Texas and Florida. Their rapid spread is attributed to factors including a lack of natural predators and a high reproductive rate.
The species’ adaptability to various environments, from forests to grasslands, facilitated their movement. Human activities, such as landscape modifications and climate shifts, may have aided colonization. Armadillos were first reported in Tennessee in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming established residents by the 1990s and progressively moving eastward. In 2019, an armadillo was documented within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, showing continued expansion into diverse terrains.
Identifying Armadillos
The nine-banded armadillo is recognizable by its unique physical characteristics. They possess a distinctive bony, armor-like shell, known as a carapace, which covers most of their body. Despite their name, these armadillos can have anywhere from seven to eleven bands across their midsection, providing flexibility.
An armadillo’s body is oval-shaped, with a long, tapering tail and a pointy snout. They have small eyes, relying on other senses, particularly their keen sense of smell, for navigating and locating food. Their short legs are equipped with strong claws—four toes on the front feet and five on the rear—used for digging burrows and foraging for insects.
Nine-banded armadillos are primarily nocturnal. Their diet consists of invertebrates, such as ants, beetles, termites, and earthworms, which they unearth through digging. When startled, these animals have a defense mechanism: they can jump vertically up to three or four feet into the air.
Coexisting with Armadillos
While armadillos are not aggressive, their foraging and burrowing behaviors can lead to property damage. They create numerous shallow holes, 3 to 5 inches wide and 1 to 3 inches deep, across lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds as they search for food. Their extensive digging can also damage underground utilities, crack concrete, or compromise the structural integrity of sidewalks and building foundations if burrows are nearby.
A concern about armadillos is their capacity to carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria responsible for leprosy (Hansen’s disease). Humans and armadillos are the only known natural hosts for this bacteria. However, the risk of human transmission from armadillos is low, as 95% of the human population possesses natural immunity to the disease. The bacteria is fragile and does not survive long outside a host. Recent studies in Tennessee have found no evidence that armadillo expansion is increasing leprosy distribution in the state.
For homeowners dealing with armadillo activity, several strategies can help manage their presence. Observing them from a distance and avoiding direct contact is recommended. To deter them, modifying the habitat can be effective, such as removing food sources like grubs or installing secure fencing that extends 12 to 18 inches underground and is 24 inches high, angled outward. While some repellents exist, their effectiveness can vary. For persistent issues, contacting professional wildlife removal services is the most reliable solution.