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The “little armored one” is making its way across North Carolina, and wildlife officials want you to conduct a bit of surveillance.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public to report any sightings of nine-banded armadillos (Spanish for little armored one) within the state. This will help state biologists determine their range expansion in the Tar Heel state.
The first confirmed sighting in North Carolina was in Macon County in 2007. The state has received 898 reports in 70 counties since then.
If you observe an armadillo in the wild, the commission asks that you take a photograph of it and note the location in detail (GPS coordinates are best) and the date and time it was observed.
Participants in the NC Armadillo project can upload photos — if available — and location information by using the iNaturalist app or via an email to armadillo@ncwildlife.org.
Native to Central and South America, armadillos have gradually expanded their range into the southeastern United States. The species was first recorded in Texas in 1849.
The mammal lacks thick insulation and must dig for most of its food. Because of this, freezing conditions can cause the critters to starve or freeze to death. With North Carolina experiencing fewer long stretches of below-freezing weather, wildlife officials say the armadillos are pushing into the state.
“Whether armadillos continue spreading beyond their current range will be largely determined by climate,” Colleen Olfenbuttel, the commission’s black bear and furbearer biologist, said in a news release.
“The number of counties with confirmed observations is 28, stretching from Cherokee to Dare counties,” Olfenbuttel said. “This makes it likely the armadillo is expanding its range naturally throughout North Carolina, rather than being helped by human intervention.”
Armadillos’ closest relatives are sloths and anteaters, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
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Their small, peg-like teeth are used to mash and grind their food, which is mainly insects and invertebrates. However, they also eat fruit, eggs, small animals and even carrion.
Nicknamed the ‘armored pig” for its long, pig-like snout, armadillos grunt constantly while rooting around for food.
They use their long front claws to dig up food found underground. Unfortunately, this can include gardens, flower beds and lawns. Their burrowing can damage tree roots and may uproot ornamental plants, the commission said.
They also can carry leprosy, though the wildlife commission said it is relatively uncommon. One study showed 10% or fewer of armadillos were infected in the southeast.
Still, people are advised to wear gloves when coming in contact with any wild animal and while working in the garden.
Armadillos’ natural predators include feral hogs, dogs, black bears, coyotes, bobcats and raccoons. Their hard carapace provides a natural shield, though they can also protect themselves by fleeing rapidly through thick brush. They also defend themselves by expelling a foul-smelling anal spray.
When frightened, they can jump straight up several feet, which is one reason they are more susceptible to being hit by a car, the commission said.