Nine-banded armadillo : North Carolina wildlife profiles

Nine-banded Armadillo North Carolina Wildlife Profiles Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Armadillos are classified in the same order as anteaters and sloths, and arc the only mammals that have a shell, which are hardened skin plates covering their bodies that give them an armored appearance. There are 20 species of armadillos, but only the Nine -banded Armadillo lives in the southeast US. The Nine-banded Armadillo, native to Central and South .America, was first recorded in Texas in 1849, but have since expanded their range north and east, crossing the Mississippi River sometime in the early 1940’s, appearing in western Tennessee in 1980 and reaching North Carolina in the late 2000s, primarily from natural dispersal from adjacent states. Description The Nine-banded Armadillo is a unique mammal, with its armor like skin and long, scaly tail. It is named for the bands (range from 7-11) across its midsection. It has deer- like ears and and has been nicknamed “Armored pig" for its long, pig like snout, which it keeps to the ground to forage by smell. They often travel slowly, in an erratic, wander¬ ing pattern as they forage, and sometimes can be heard grunting like a pig. Armadillos have small, peg- like teeth that are used to mash and grind their food, capturing most of their prey with their long, sticky and flexible tongue. History and Status The Nine-banded Armadillo is considered abundant throughout its established range. In North Carolina, its population is still expanding and it is still relatively uncommon. It is classified as nongame, with no closed hunting season or bag limit. It can be trapped during the regulated trapping season. During the 1930s and 1940s, armadillos were given the nickname "Hoover Hog” and “Texas Turkey” because they were commonly con¬ sumed by people. Even today, people will consume armadillo meat, likening it to pork in taste and texture. For more information on this species, including status and any applicable regulations, visit ncwildlife.org/armadillo. Habitats and Habits Nine -banded Armadillos originated from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, but have adapted to living in many types of habitat, including scrubland, grasslands, pine forests, salt marshes, , and deciduous forests. Golf courses, parks and cemeteries can also be suitable habitat. Their habitat needs are primarily de¬ pendent on precipitation levels and winter temperatures. Dry conditions are unsuitable, as invertebrates are their primary food source and depend on moist soils. Because they make burrows, armadillos prefer clay or sandy soils. They do not have fur or much body fat, so they are not adapted well to surviving long periods of freezing temperatures. As winter temperatures become more mild in many eastern states, expect the armadillo to expand its range northward. Photo: birdphotos.com The common name, armadillo, is derived from a Spanish term meaning "little armored one." Photo: Jay Butfiloski Range and Distribution The Nine-banded Armadillo is the most widespread species of armadillo, ranging from Argentina to the southeastern United States. In recent years, its range has expand¬ ed northward into North Carolina. N.C. Armadillo Observations 2007 through 2019 Confirmed Observations Credible Observations Unconfirmed reports