Armadillos, unique armored mammals typically associated with warmer climates, are steadily expanding their range across the United States. This expansion raises questions about their journey and current status in states like Kansas, where their appearance might seem out of place to many residents.
The Kansas Armadillo
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is present in Kansas. This mammal is recognized by its distinctive shell, composed of bony plates covered in leathery skin. The “nine-banded” name refers to the flexible bands across its back, typically eight to eleven, allowing it to bend its body.
Armadillos have a grayish-brown coloration, a long tail, large ears, and powerful claws for digging. While often described as nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning active during twilight hours, they can sometimes be seen during the day. The nine-banded armadillo is typically the size of a large house cat, weighing between 8 to 17 pounds, with males generally heavier than females.
Journey to Kansas
The nine-banded armadillo’s journey into Kansas is part of a northward expansion occurring for over a century. Originating from Central and South America, the species began moving north into the United States around the mid-19th century, crossing the Rio Grande into South Texas before 1854. This rapid range expansion, which is significantly faster than the average rate for a mammal, has puzzled biologists.
Several factors contributed to this movement. Reduced hunting pressure and a decrease in large predators allowed armadillo populations to grow. The cessation of yearly prairie fires and increased mesquite brushland, following Texas’s colonization, created more suitable habitats. While cold temperatures and dry conditions historically limited their spread, milder winters, possibly linked to climate change, have enabled them to survive and reproduce in new areas. Armadillos have poor body fat reserves and a low metabolic rate, making them sensitive to cold, but their ability to burrow helps them cope with short periods of severe cold.
Armadillo Presence in Kansas
Armadillos are present across Kansas, reported in all 105 counties. Their populations are most concentrated in the southern two or three tiers of counties. The species was first reported in Kansas in the 1940s. By the 1960s, well-established populations were noted in eastern Kansas and in western Kansas south of the Arkansas River. By the mid-1960s, they had crossed the Arkansas River and were present throughout much of the state.
While adaptable to most Kansas habitats, armadillos prefer areas with vegetative cover, such as brushy or forested regions, and those near water sources like streams. Their presence is particularly common along creek beds and in loose alluvial soil, though they also occur in limestone cliffs and juniper-covered hills. They are frequently observed along roadways, often becoming victims of vehicle collisions.
Coexisting with Armadillos
Coexisting with armadillos involves understanding their natural behaviors. These animals are prolific diggers, using strong claws to construct burrows for shelter and to forage for insects and other invertebrates. This digging can create shallow holes, typically 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide, in lawns, gardens, and flower beds, which can be a nuisance for homeowners. They may also burrow under structures, potentially damaging foundations or pipes.
If encountered, armadillos are generally shy and will either run away or jump straight up if startled, a behavior that unfortunately makes them vulnerable to vehicles. While they can carry diseases like leprosy, the risk of human transmission is very low. Most people are naturally immune, and direct contact with an infected animal’s flesh or blood is typically required. To mitigate potential damage, homeowners can consider fencing vulnerable areas, burying the fence several feet deep, or using hardwood chips to deter digging. Trapping can be an effective and humane method for removal if they become problematic.