Heads up, fellow South Carolinians: We’re being overrun by Armadillos and as cute and curious as this armored mammal may be, they should be avoided at all costs – if only as a cautionary practice. Here’s what you should know about the armadillos taking over much of the state:
The nine-banded armadillo was, at first, only seen in the southern-most parts of South Carolina.
However, over the last 15 years or so, the population has spread throughout the state and all the way into North Carolina.
This rapid geographical expansion is attributed to the lack of natural predators to control the population. The shell of this critter is so tough it can take the bite of a cougar or an alligator to penetrate.
Plus, armadillos reproduce starting at just one year. Interestingly, each March, the armadillo always births four identical babies that split from the same embryo. This means, of course, that each spring the population increases exponentially.
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As for food, the nine-banded armadillo forages for the most part for insects such as beetles, grubs, worms, ants, and termites.
The creature will thrust its little snout into leaf litter and isn't above rolling about on an ant hill to dislodge the ants in order to have a ready-made snack.
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Armadillos are nocturnal creatures, emerging just before dusk to begin foraging. The average armadillo creates up to 12 burrows it uses for refuge during the daylight hours. Shown here, the burrows are distinctly about eight inches in diameter and can be as deep as seven feet and as long as 25 feet.
For more reasons than one, you should never attempt to examine what looks like an armadillo burrow. Sometimes, for instance, other creatures (like snakes!) will take up residence in them.
If startled, the nine-banded armadillo can jump three to four feet straight up in the air. Never approach an armadillo. If it gets frightened, you may find it's suddenly too close for comfort!
And for goodness sake, don't pick one up, or even touch an armadillo... even if it appears to be lifeless or sick.
Armadillos are well-known vectors for the infectious disease known as Leprosy.
Today, Leprosy (also known as Hansen's Disease) is much more manageable than it was a hundred years ago when those with the disease were sent to live in leper colonies.
It's unclear how the armadillo contracts either Leprosy or Chagas Disease, but it's possible its penchant for devouring insects has something to do with it carrying Chagas Disease. Chagas is transmitted by the insect Triatominae (shown), also known as kissing bugs (because they like to bite humans lightly on the lips while sleeping).
In summary: first and foremost, not all armadillos carry Leprosy or Chagas Disease… but do you really want to take a chance just to inch a little closer to this curious creature for a better look or a photo? Avoiding getting too close is the best course of action.
The good news for dog owners is although dogs can contract Leprosy, it’s a different strain that’s very treatable and not contagious to humans. No known cases of the Leprosy found in armadillos and humans has been reported in our canine best friends. So don’t panic if you see your dog chasing down an armadillo.
