Armadillos, with their distinctive bony plates, are unique mammals. The name “armadillo” comes from Spanish, meaning “little armored one,” a fitting description for these creatures. As the only living mammals with a leathery armor shell, they are easily recognizable. These animals possess long, sharp claws, which are used for digging, and while their legs are short, they can move with surprising speed. Armadillos are primarily nocturnal, often stirring during twilight and early morning hours, though they may be active during the day in colder seasons.
The Armadillo’s Journey North
Armadillos originated in South America, where they were confined for most of the Cenozoic era. The formation of the Isthmus of Panama allowed some species to migrate northward into southern North America during the early Pleistocene. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the only armadillo species currently found in the United States and has undergone a significant northward and eastward expansion over the last 150 years.
Prior to about 1850, the nine-banded armadillo was not found north of the Rio Grande River. Their spread into the southern United States began in the late 19th century, with the first recorded evidence of their presence in Texas dating back to 1849. From Texas, they expanded into Louisiana by the 1930s and crossed the Mississippi River heading east by 1954. Simultaneously, armadillos were introduced into Florida in the 1950s, likely from escaped captive animals, and began spreading northward from there. This dual expansion from Texas and Florida contributed to their presence across the southeastern U.S.
First Sightings in the Peach State
Armadillos gradually made their way into Georgia as part of their broader eastward and northward expansion. They were present in South Georgia for several years before spreading further into the state. Early observations indicated their presence in the western Panhandle and Peninsular regions of Florida, which likely contributed to their movement into nearby Georgia. By 1995, the species was well-established in Georgia, alongside other southeastern states.
Reports from the mid-1960s confirmed armadillos in Grady and Thomas Counties in Georgia, though some believed these might have been escapees. Their spread through the state continued, reaching central and southern Georgia. By 2005, armadillos had extended their range to the northern half of Georgia, with confirmed sightings in areas like Gainesville, approximately 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. This indicated their adaptability to different habitats within the state.
Why Armadillos Thrived in Georgia
Georgia’s environmental conditions have proven favorable for armadillos. The state’s mild winters are particularly beneficial, as armadillos have low body fat reserves and cannot tolerate cold temperatures below approximately 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer winters allow them to extend their range further north. The abundant food sources available in Georgia also support their populations. Armadillos are primarily insectivores, with their diet consisting mainly of insects and their larvae, including beetles, wasps, moth larvae, ants, millipedes, centipedes, snails, leeches, and earthworms.
Georgia’s varied habitats, including pine forests, hardwood woodlands, grass prairies, and coastal dunes, offer suitable environments. Armadillos prefer areas with soft or sandy soils for their extensive burrowing activities. They often inhabit dense, shady cover near streams, although they avoid overly wet or dry conditions. The lack of significant natural predators in many areas has also contributed to their success. While coyotes, bobcats, alligators, foxes, and black bears may prey on them, human activities and road mortality are also considerable factors affecting their numbers.
Armadillos Today: Presence and Effects
Armadillos are now widespread throughout Georgia, commonly found in central and southern regions, and present in most of the state’s 159 counties. While they may be less common in mountainous areas, they are found northward along the Interstate 75 corridor. They are considered a naturalized species rather than invasive, continually expanding their range. Their burrowing habits are a noticeable impact, as they create holes 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide while foraging for food.
These burrows, which can be 8 to 12 inches wide and up to 15 feet long, provide shelter for the armadillos and are also utilized by other wildlife, including rabbits, opossums, and snakes. While their digging can be a nuisance to homeowners, damaging lawns and landscaping, armadillos also consume fire ants and white grubs, which can be beneficial. Armadillos are also known to carry the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy, and are used in medical research for this reason. However, the risk of humans contracting leprosy from armadillos is low, and direct contact is generally advised against.