The nine-banded armadillo has expanded its range into South Carolina. While not historically native to the state, these armored mammals are now found in all 46 counties. Their increasing presence leads to more frequent sightings.
Armadillos’ Presence and Expansion in South Carolina
They originated in South America, beginning their northward expansion into the United States in the mid-19th century, first appearing in Texas. They then spread eastward across the southern states. The nine-banded armadillo arrived in South Carolina from Florida in the mid-1980s, establishing viable populations by the mid-1990s.
Their continued spread is influenced by several factors. Milder winters, attributed to a warming climate, allow armadillos to survive in areas previously too cold. Their low metabolic rates and poor fat reserves make them sensitive to cold temperatures. Their ability to utilize human-modified landscapes, such as roadways and forested corridors, aids dispersal. Natural predators in these territories are also limited.
Where Armadillos Live in South Carolina
They initially spread from the lower coastal plain, particularly southern counties near the Savannah River, then moved northward into the Upstate region. This includes Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and mountainous regions around Pickens and Walhalla.
They prefer habitats with dense, shady cover, such as brush, woodlands, and forests. They are often found near creeks and rivers, as riparian habitats serve as pathways for range expansion. They also favor areas with loose, porous soil, which makes it easier to dig for food and construct burrows.
Understanding and Coexisting with Armadillos
Armadillos are primarily insectivores, with over 90% of their diet consisting of insects and other invertebrates like grubs, worms, and termites. They use their keen sense of smell and powerful claws to unearth food, often leaving small, conical holes in lawns and gardens. They are largely nocturnal, most active from twilight through early morning, though they may forage during the day in cooler weather.
Burrowing behavior is a common concern for homeowners. Armadillos dig burrows 7 to 8 inches in diameter and up to 15 feet long, often with multiple entrances. These burrows can undermine foundations, driveways, and other structures, causing significant damage. To deter armadillos, residents can install sturdy fences at least 3 feet high and buried 12 to 18 inches deep, especially in sandy soil. Removing brush piles and treating lawns for grubs can also make an area less appealing.
While not a direct threat to humans, it is advisable to observe them from a distance and avoid direct contact. Armadillos can carry the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy (Hansen’s disease), and Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. Although transmission risk to humans is low and leprosy cases linked to armadillos are rare in the U.S., avoid handling them with bare hands or consuming their meat. If an armadillo becomes a nuisance, professional wildlife control services can assist. Relocating trapped armadillos is illegal in South Carolina; they must be dispatched on-site.