Armadillos are unique mammals recognized by their distinctive armored shells. While these creatures are often reclusive, their expanding presence in various habitats, including populated areas, sometimes leads people to question if they pose a danger. Understanding their natural behaviors and potential health considerations is important for safe interactions.
Direct Physical Interactions
Armadillos are not aggressive towards humans and prefer to avoid confrontation. Their primary defense is to flee or quickly dig a burrow to escape perceived threats. They are surprisingly quick, running up to 30 miles per hour in short bursts, or jumping straight up when startled, which can unfortunately lead to collisions with vehicles.
Bites or scratches from an armadillo are rare, occurring only if the animal feels cornered, threatened, or is handled directly. Their small teeth are designed for grinding insects, not for attacking larger animals. However, they possess strong claws used for digging, which could inadvertently cause scratches if handled.
Potential Health Risks
Armadillos can carry certain pathogens that pose health risks to humans. The most notable concern is their ability to carry Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium responsible for leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. Nine-banded armadillos are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to M. leprae.
Armadillos can transmit leprosy to humans, especially in regions like the southern United States and parts of Brazil. Transmission occurs through direct contact, such as handling the animal, or consumption of improperly cooked armadillo meat. While the risk of contracting leprosy from an armadillo is low, most people (over 95%) have natural immunity to the disease.
Armadillos can carry other health risks. Rabies is rare in armadillos, but they can contract and transmit the virus. An armadillo exhibiting unusual daytime activity, tameness, or aggression might be rabid; any bite or scratch should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional.
They can also carry Salmonella bacteria, transmitted through their feces. Contact with contaminated soil or consuming contaminated food or water can lead to salmonellosis, causing symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Parasitic worms like tapeworms are another potential risk from feces.
Safe Coexistence
To ensure safety for both humans and armadillos, it is important to observe them from a distance. Never attempt to touch, feed, or corner an armadillo, as this can provoke a defensive reaction and increase the risk of bites or scratches. If an armadillo is encountered, the best approach is to leave it undisturbed.
To discourage armadillos from frequenting your property, remove potential food sources such as fallen fruits and unattended pet food. Securing garbage can also help deter them. Given their digging habits, which can cause damage to yards and foundations, installing barriers like fences buried at least 12 to 18 inches deep can be effective. If an armadillo appears sick, injured, or is causing significant property damage, contact local animal control or a professional wildlife removal service rather than attempting to handle the situation independently.