Armadillos, with their distinctive armored bodies, have established a presence in Tennessee. These unique mammals are a relatively recent addition to the state’s wildlife, with their numbers increasing across various regions.
Armadillo Presence and Spread in Tennessee
The nine-banded armadillo, the only species found in the United States, has steadily expanded its range northward and eastward from its native South American habitats for over a century. They arrived in Tennessee in the early 1980s, becoming permanent residents by the 1990s. Initially more common in Middle and West Tennessee, their range now includes East Tennessee, even near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Several factors contribute to this expansion. Armadillos prefer warm, wet climates; milder winters allow them to survive in northern territories, as they lack significant body fat and do not hibernate. Human-induced landscape changes, such as land clearing, fire control, and irrigation, also create hospitable environments. Transportation networks, including bridges, facilitate their movement, and some speculate accidental releases or “stowaways” on vehicles have played a role in their dispersal.
Identifying Features and Behavior
The nine-banded armadillo is recognizable by its unique armor covering its head, body, and tail. This shell consists of ossified dermal plates covered by keratinized scales, with flexible bands in the midsection—typically seven to eleven, despite the “nine-banded” name. These cat-sized mammals typically weigh between 5.5 and 14.3 pounds, with a body length of 15 to 23 inches and a tail adding 10 to 21 inches.
Armadillos are prolific diggers, using strong claws and snouts to unearth their primary diet. This diet consists mainly of insects like ants, termites, beetles, grubs, and other invertebrates. They can detect prey up to 8 inches deep in the soil with their sensitive noses. While primarily insectivores, they occasionally supplement their diet with small reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs, and some plant matter like fruits and fungi.
Armadillos are largely solitary and typically active at dusk and throughout the night, though they may be seen during the day in cooler weather or areas with less human activity. An individual may maintain multiple burrows, sometimes up to 12, providing shelter from predators and temperature extremes. Burrows are typically 8 to 10 inches wide and can extend 2 to 24 feet long, often concealed under vegetation or structures.
Coexisting with Armadillos
As armadillos become more common in Tennessee, their digging habits can be a nuisance for homeowners. They may dig up lawns, gardens, and cause damage near foundations or driveways in search of food. They often create shallow holes, typically 3 to 5 inches wide, or raised soil areas.
Regarding disease transmission, nine-banded armadillos are known to carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes leprosy. While the risk of humans contracting leprosy from armadillos is low, it is possible through direct contact, especially when handling or consuming them. Experts suggest that over 95% of the human population is naturally immune to leprosy, and the bacteria is fragile, dying quickly outside a host. Observe armadillos from a distance and avoid direct physical contact. If contact occurs, wash hands thoroughly.