The nine-banded armadillo, the only armadillo species found in the United States, is a secretive mammal known for its remarkable digging ability and bony armor. Primarily active from twilight through early morning, this animal spends a significant portion of its life underground, seeking refuge from predators and temperature extremes. The armadillo’s “nest” is a complex, multi-functional underground burrow system that provides shelter, protection, and a place to raise young. These extensive burrows allow the species to survive in a variety of habitats ranging from forests to grasslands.
Identifying the Burrow Entrance
The entrance to an armadillo’s burrow is the only visible sign of the complex underground dwelling. This opening is typically a round or slightly oval hole, measuring approximately 7 to 10 inches in diameter. Armadillos strategically place these entrances near dense cover, such as brush piles, around stumps, under concrete slabs, or within the root systems of trees like youpon or saw palmetto. The burrow entrance often slopes downward rather than dropping vertically.
A key indicator of an armadillo burrow is the spoil pile, a mound of freshly excavated dirt, or “apron,” found immediately outside the entrance. This mounded soil is evidence of the armadillo’s work as it loosens the earth with its forelimbs and nose and then kicks it away with its hind legs. In some cases, the animal may attempt to hide the entrance by placing leaf litter or plant debris around the opening, making it less obvious to a casual observer.
Tunnel System and Chamber Layout
The armadillo burrow extends far beyond the entrance, forming a network of tunnels beneath the surface. While the tunnels can vary significantly, they are generally between 1 and 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) long and may reach depths of up to 5 feet or more. The width of the tunnel is typically around 8 inches, which is just large enough for the armadillo’s body.
An individual armadillo will often maintain multiple burrows within its home range, sometimes as many as five to twelve different sites. These secondary burrows may be shallower and serve as temporary escape routes or food traps where insects have taken refuge. The primary, or permanent, den often contains a main chamber located at the deepest end, which provides thermal regulation, keeping the armadillo warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The tunnels are not always straight, often turning to navigate around obstacles such as rocks or thick tree roots. The sleeping chamber is a wider area within the tunnel system, providing enough space for the animal to rest. This layout ensures protection from both predators and harsh weather.
Appearance of the Nursery Nest
The true armadillo “nest” is a specific structure constructed only for giving birth and raising young, found within a dedicated nursery chamber. This chamber is distinct from the general sleeping area, often being a large, slightly wider space, sometimes 45 centimeters or more in diameter, located deep inside the burrow. The female armadillo builds a soft, insulated bed for her identical quadruplets before they are born, typically in March or April.
The nest material itself is composed of dried leaves, grasses, shredded vegetation, and twigs gathered from the surface. The armadillo exhibits a unique behavior to transport this material, gathering it into a bundle and carrying it clutched against its chest with its forelimbs while hopping on its hind legs. Once inside the chamber, the materials are stuffed together to form a loosely constructed, insulating mass.
The accumulation of plant matter creates a warm, soft environment for the pups, who remain inside the burrow for several weeks before they begin to venture out. This packed, dried vegetation is the key visual characteristic that distinguishes the nursery nest from the bare-earth walls of the surrounding burrow tunnels.