The armadillo is a unique mammal, instantly recognizable by its distinctive, bony shell. Wildlife ranges are continually shifting, and animals are establishing themselves in new territories across the country. This movement has led to questions about the northern limits of certain species, including the armadillo.
Confirmation and Species Identification
The direct answer to whether armadillos are present in Kentucky is yes. The specific species found within the state is the Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), which is the only armadillo species successfully established in the United States.
The name refers to the nine movable bands of bony plates, or scutes, that form a protective layer around the midsection of its body. An adult typically weighs between 8 and 17 pounds and has an overall length, including its tail, of about two to three feet. Its armor covers the back, head, tail, and legs, providing a defense mechanism against predators.
The Northward Migration and Establishment
The presence of the armadillo in Kentucky is a relatively recent phenomenon. Originally native to Central and South America, the species crossed the Rio Grande into Texas around 1850 and has been steadily moving north and eastward ever since. This rapid colonization of the US has been facilitated by ecological and environmental factors.
A major factor enabling this expansion is a change in climate, specifically the trend of milder winters. Armadillos have low body fat reserves and poor thermoregulation, making them highly sensitive to cold temperatures and prolonged freezing conditions. The reduction in the frequency and severity of cold snaps has allowed the species to survive and reproduce in previously inhospitable areas like Kentucky.
The first reports of armadillos in Kentucky date back to the mid-1980s, but sightings became more common in the early 2000s. They are now considered established in many western and central counties, with evidence of their continued spread eastward. Recent research has documented their presence even in counties near Lexington, confirming that the armadillo’s range continues to expand.
Behavior and Ecological Impact
The Nine-banded Armadillo is a solitary animal that is primarily active during the night, though it may forage during the day in cooler weather. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates like insects, grubs, and earthworms. They use their keen sense of smell and long snouts to detect prey up to eight inches beneath the soil surface.
This specialized foraging behavior leads to their most noticeable impact on the human landscape: their digging. The armadillo thrusts its snout into the ground and digs small, shallow holes in lawns, golf courses, and gardens while searching for food. While they consume many insects considered agricultural pests, their digging habit is often viewed as a nuisance by property owners.
Beyond foraging, armadillos are prolific burrowers that create extensive underground dens for shelter and raising young. A single animal may maintain up to a dozen burrows within its territory. These burrows are often located near or under dense cover or human infrastructure like patios and driveways, sometimes leading to structural damage.
The ability of the Nine-banded Armadillo to establish new populations is aided by its reproduction. Females exhibit a unique reproductive trait known as obligate polyembryony, meaning they consistently give birth to genetically identical quadruplets that develop from a single fertilized egg. This, combined with the mild climate, aids in their sustained population growth in Kentucky.
Public Safety Concerns
The spread of armadillos into Kentucky introduces a public health topic due to their association with the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This bacterium is the causative agent of Hansen’s disease, historically known as leprosy. The Nine-banded Armadillo is considered a reservoir for the bacteria in the United States, and contact has been linked to some human cases of the disease.
While the overall risk of contracting Hansen’s disease from an armadillo remains low, caution is advised when encountering the animals. The primary risk of transmission is associated with direct, sustained contact, such as handling or consuming the animal. Researchers studying armadillos in Kentucky have confirmed the presence of the bacteria in some local specimens.
Avoid handling armadillos, especially those that appear sick, injured, or are found dead. If an armadillo is causing property damage, contact a professional wildlife control service for removal rather than attempting to capture it personally. Understanding the potential for zoonotic transmission is an important part of coexisting with this newly established species.