Armadillos are unique mammals recognized for their armored shells and tendency to dig. These nocturnal creatures use their powerful claws and keen sense of smell to interact with their environment. Understanding their digging habits and the appearance of their excavations provides insight into their behavior and presence. This article details the characteristics of armadillo holes and other indicators of their activity.
Key Characteristics of an Armadillo Hole
Armadillo holes vary in size and shape depending on their purpose, but certain physical attributes are consistently present. Shallow foraging holes typically measure 3 to 5 inches in diameter and 1 to 3 inches deep. These often appear as conical or half-moon-shaped divots in the soil. The digging process usually results in loose, fluffy soil or a fan-shaped mound of dirt kicked out around the entrance.
Deeper burrows, used for shelter, are generally larger and more substantial. These entrances are commonly round or oval, measuring around 6 to 10 inches in diameter. An armadillo burrow can extend underground, often ranging from 4 to 24 feet in length and 2 to 5 feet deep. The entrance to a main burrow is often smooth, indicating frequent use.
Armadillos tend to construct their burrows in specific locations, favoring areas with soft soil that facilitates digging. Common sites include areas near building foundations, under shrubs, beneath tree roots, or near fallen logs. They may also be found in dense brush or along creek banks. A single armadillo can maintain multiple burrows, sometimes as many as 5 to 10, within its home range, using them for different purposes.
Reasons for Armadillo Digging
Armadillos engage in digging for several primary reasons, each resulting in a distinct type of excavation. A frequent cause for digging is foraging for food. Armadillos are insectivores, primarily seeking out insects, grubs, worms, and other invertebrates beneath the soil surface. Their acute sense of smell allows them to detect prey up to 6 inches underground.
Beyond foraging, armadillos dig to create shelters and more permanent burrows. These deeper excavations serve as protection from predators and adverse weather conditions, such as summer heat or winter cold. Armadillos spend a significant portion of their day underground in these burrows. They also provide a secure location for giving birth and raising their young.
Additional Signs of Armadillo Activity
Observing signs beyond just holes can further confirm the presence of armadillos. One common indicator is the appearance of rooting marks. These are disturbed areas of turf or soil where the armadillo has used its snout to root around for food, creating a messy, torn-up appearance rather than a neat hole. Such damage is particularly noticeable in lawns or mulched beds.
Armadillos leave distinctive tracks that can reveal their activity. Their front tracks typically show four long toe prints with sharp claws, and sometimes a “V” shape between the middle toes. Hind tracks often display three or five toes. Due to their scaly tails, a faint drag line may also be visible between their footprints in soft soil.
Armadillo scat can also be found. These droppings are usually small, cylindrical pellets, about 1 inch long, with a dry, crumbly texture. Their color ranges from dark brown to light tan, depending on their diet, and may contain insect remnants. Droppings are often found near burrows or foraging areas.