The most widespread of the critters is the nine-banded armadillo, also known as a long-nosed armadillo. This armadillo originated from South and Central America but thrives most in Texas and Florida as an invasive species . Nine-banded armadillos reportedly found their way to Florida in the early 1900s after two of the critters escaped a zoo.
Another thing we wondered was; are armadillos dangerous to humans?
The best answer was Armadillos are loners and like to quietly wander about in the yard foraging for insects and freshwater without anyone disturbing them. Keep in mind that these critters are wild animals and may infect humans with diseases like rabies or leprosy. If you trap an armadillo, always wear gloves to protect your skin before releasing them in the wild.
An answer is that armadillos (mainly Dasypus) are common roadkill due to their habit of jumping 3–4 ft vertically when startled, which puts them into collision with the underside of vehicles.
Are armadillos endangered species?
Conservation status According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), armadillos are not endangered. Some species are vulnerable , though. For example, the Andean hairy armadillo is considered vulnerable because its population has declined by more than 30 percent in the past 10 years.
One of the next things we asked ourselves was how many species of armadillos are there?
Of the twenty species of armadillo, only one — the nine-banded armadillo — appears to be increasing in number. In the last hundred years or so, the nine-banded armadillo has expanded its home range northward into the United States.
Their closest living relatives are sloths and anteaters . The most easily recognized feature of an armadillo is its shell. All armadillos have shells, made of true bone, that cover their backs. Most armadillos also have bony rings or plates that protect their tails.
Where do armadillos come from?
Armadillos originate over 3 million years ago in South America . Today, the only species found in the US is the nine-banded armadillo, scientific name Dasypus novemcinctus They are distributed largely across the south and across the eastern region.
Armadillos, the armored mammals most often associated with Texas, are moving northward into North and South Carolina. Over the past 15 years, the species that originated in South America has been expanding its range.
One way to think about this is Today, all extant armadillo species are still present in South America . They are particularly diverse in Paraguay (where 11 species exist) and surrounding areas. Many species are endangered. Some, including four species of Dasypus, are widely distributed over the Americas, whereas others, such as Yepes’s mulita, are restricted to small ranges.
Are there armadillos in the Carolinas?
Over the past 15 years, the species that originated in South America has been expanding its range. Armadillos have been spotted as far north as Missouri, Iowa, and even Nebraska. But they’ve really taken a liking to the Carolinas, where homeowners in some areas describe them as a “nuisance,” thanks in large part to their penchant for digging.