Armadillo

(Dasypus novemcinctus)

The most common species of armadillo in the Americas is the nine-banded armadillo. Armadillos may not be the most adorable creatures in the animal kingdom, but they are fascinating nonetheless. The nine-banded armadillo is the most common species found in Florida, and it is named for the armor plates that protect it from predators. Despite their armored exterior, armadillos are generally calm creatures that are easily frightened. If you scare them, they might jump straight up in the air before scurrying away. However, it’s best to leave them alone since they can carry serious diseases like leprosy, which can spread through close proximity.

Fortunately, armadillos are shy and docile creatures that can be humanely trapped and safely rehabilitated to a more suitable habitat. They are diggers and love to search for earthworms, grubs, night-crawlers, and other small invertebrates to eat. Armadillos prefer to live around moist soil near rivers, streams, brooks, ponds, or man-made water reservoirs, and Florida has plenty of wildlife land suitable for them.

While armadillos may look gross, they carry a lot of diseases, including leptospirosis, arboviruses, and most commonly, leprosy. In recent years, armadillos have been linked to an increasing number of leprosy cases in humans, partly due to habitat destruction as land is developed for construction. As armadillos come into greater contact with humans, diseases spread more rapidly. Armadillos are the only other mammals besides humans that are capable of carrying leprosy, and they have a high frequency of infection, which makes it difficult to control the disease even among humans.

Armadillos give birth to four identical quadruplets at a time, so they are all always the same sex. When they are born, their eyes are open, and they can begin walking on the same day. Their skin has not yet grown its hard armored layer, so they are more vulnerable at this stage and generally stay with their mother. Once they get out into the world, they start digging, as this is the primary mechanism by which they find food. Armadillo digging can be particularly damaging to gardens, as they love to eat earthworms and grubs, and their holes can attract other nuisance animals looking to set up a home.

If you’re dealing with armadillos on your property, contact us at Florida wildlife management to humanely and safely address the situation.