Armadillos are a distinctive and common part of Texas wildlife, frequently encountered across the state, particularly in central and eastern regions. These unique mammals are easily recognized by their armored appearance.
The Texas Armadillo
The Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the primary species found in Texas. Roughly the size of a small dog, adults typically weigh 8 to 17 pounds. They measure 15 to 17 inches in body length with a 14 to 16-inch tail. Their unique bony, scaled shell provides protection.
These armadillos are primarily insectivores, using strong claws and a keen sense of smell to locate food. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, such as grubs, beetles, ants, termites, and worms, which they dig from the soil. While predominantly nocturnal, they may become active during warmer daylight hours in colder periods due to their lower body temperature.
Female Nine-banded Armadillos consistently give birth to genetically identical quadruplets, a phenomenon called polyembryony. This occurs when a single fertilized egg divides into four embryos, which then develop and are born, typically in March. All four offspring are always the same sex and share a single placenta during development.
Where They Roam
Armadillos are a relatively recent addition to U.S. wildlife, first recorded in Texas around 1849. They migrated into the state from Central and South America. Since then, their range has expanded considerably northward and eastward across the United States.
Within Texas, armadillos are common throughout the central and eastern parts of the state. They thrive in diverse habitats, including forests, brushlands, scrublands, and grasslands. Their distribution is significantly influenced by the availability of loose, porous soil, essential for their extensive digging for food and shelter. They tend to avoid extremely dry regions like the western High Plains and Trans-Pecos, where soil conditions are too hard and moisture is insufficient.
The expansion of their range has been influenced by several factors. Human activities, such as the suppression of wildfires, have allowed more scrubland and forested areas to develop, creating suitable habitats. Increased human travel and transportation infrastructure like roads and railways may have facilitated their spread. Their ability to adapt to varying habitats and their lack of natural predators also contributed to their successful colonization.
Living Alongside Armadillos
Coexisting with armadillos in Texas involves understanding their natural behaviors, particularly their extensive digging. Armadillos are prolific burrowers, creating burrows up to 7 feet deep and 25 feet long. This digging, driven by their search for insects and grubs, can result in churned-up lawns and gardens. While some homeowners consider it a nuisance, their foraging also helps control populations of lawn-damaging grubs.
Armadillos are linked to Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria associated with leprosy. They are one of the few animals, besides humans, known to naturally contract this bacteria. While human transmission is possible, it is extremely uncommon and typically requires prolonged, direct contact, such as handling or consuming infected armadillos. The risk of acquiring leprosy from casual contact with a wild armadillo is very low, as most people are naturally immune.
For those living in areas with armadillos, general advice for coexistence includes securing properties to deter digging and avoiding direct contact with wild animals. Understanding their ecological role as natural pest controllers and soil aerators can shift perceptions. If a direct interaction is necessary, wear protective gloves. These creatures contribute to the ecosystem through their behaviors, even as they occasionally impact residential landscapes.