Armadillos, often pictured in warmer, more southern climates, are increasingly becoming a topic of discussion in Virginia. These armored mammals are indeed establishing a presence within the Commonwealth’s borders, marking a new chapter in Virginia’s wildlife landscape as they continue their gradual northward expansion.
Confirming Their Presence in Virginia
Armadillos are definitively present in Virginia, a fact confirmed by wildlife authorities and scientific documentation. The first officially recognized sighting of a nine-banded armadillo occurred in 2019, when a specimen was collected in Russell County and subsequently housed at the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH). While sporadic reports, often involving roadkill, existed before 2013, 2019 marked the beginning of verified records of live, free-ranging armadillos in Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the VMNH have acknowledged and are actively tracking these new arrivals. Dr. Nancy Moncrief, the Curator of Mammals at the VMNH, has been instrumental in documenting their spread, noting that these animals are likely dispersers from growing populations in neighboring states. Her research, published in the Southeastern Naturalist, highlights the increasing evidence of armadillos in southwestern Virginia through verified photographs and collected specimens.
Understanding Their Range Expansion
The presence of armadillos in Virginia is part of a broader, long-term trend of their northward migration across the United States. Originating in South America, nine-banded armadillos began expanding their range into the southern U.S. in the mid-19th century. This expansion has been remarkably rapid, moving at a pace nearly ten times faster than the typical mammalian range expansion.
A primary factor driving this persistent spread is climate change, which has resulted in milder winters. Armadillos possess a low metabolic rate and limited fat reserves, making them vulnerable to prolonged cold temperatures; they struggle to survive where average January temperatures fall below 28°F or where the ground remains frozen for extended periods. The reduction in severe cold snaps allows them to comfortably inhabit new northern areas. While early movements were sometimes aided by human transport, such as hitchhiking on rail cars, their current expansion is largely a natural biological process responding to environmental changes.
Geographic Distribution Within Virginia
Within Virginia, armadillos are not yet uniformly distributed but are becoming more established in certain regions. Most frequent sightings and confirmed populations have been recorded in the southwestern part of the state. Counties such as Smyth, Wythe, Wise, Tazewell, Buchanan, and Russell have reported significant armadillo activity.
A notable northernmost sighting occurred in Roanoke in 2021. While their current distribution remains somewhat patchy, it is continuously expanding. Experts anticipate that armadillos will likely continue moving into western Virginia, and also expect them to advance into eastern Virginia from expanding populations in eastern North Carolina. These animals tend to prefer habitats offering dense shady cover, like woodlands and brush, and areas with soft, easily diggable soil, such as sandy or loam textures. They are also often found near water sources like streams and can adapt to human-modified landscapes, including pastures and golf courses.
Ecological Impact and Public Interaction
The arrival of armadillos in Virginia introduces both ecological considerations and practical aspects for public interaction. Their most noticeable ecological impact stems from their digging habits, as they forage extensively for food. Armadillos create shallow holes, typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide, in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields while searching for insects and grubs. Their burrowing can also undermine structures like foundations, driveways, and sidewalks, potentially causing property damage.
Armadillos are omnivores, with a diet primarily consisting of insects like beetles, ants, termites, and grubs, though they also consume plant matter, small vertebrates, and carrion. By consuming large quantities of insects, they contribute to pest control within ecosystems. Their burrows also offer shelter to other wildlife, including snakes, rabbits, opossums, and various bird species.
For residents encountering armadillos, it is important to remember these animals are generally not aggressive towards humans. While armadillos can carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for Hansen’s disease (leprosy), transmission to humans is rare. Most people are naturally immune to the bacterium, and infection typically requires prolonged, direct contact, such as handling or consuming the animal. There have been no known cases of armadillo-based leprosy reported in Virginia.
Like all mammals, armadillos can carry rabies, but the risk remains low. It is advisable to observe armadillos from a distance and avoid attempting to handle them. Reporting sightings to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources helps experts track their expanding presence within the state.