The nine-banded armadillo.

Nine-banded armadillo (inset:  one recently deceased).

While visiting Texas I came across an animal I was unacquainted with.  Armadillos are a staple in the southern states; amongst some, there is the practice of creating road fodder.  We often see skunks and raccoons victimized by the automobile here in Canada; it seems the armadillo often meets a similar fate.

It seems that these thickly-skinned mammals are considered pests in many places.  Although they are docile creatures, they have the habit of tearing up lawns and gardens in their bid for preferred foods.  They are omnivores and consume large amounts of invertebrates along with choice fruits and plant matter.  Many a yard has been laid waste by their nocturnal foraging.

There are twenty species of armadillo; the nine-banded variety is the only one found in the United States.  Its range has been increasing over the years and they have been found as far north as Washington.  Armadillos are fond of warm weather.  Their low level of body fat means poor insulation in cooler climates and an inability to store up reserves when food is not available.  I could not find any references to them being in any part of Canada.

Armadillo populations have been stable until the last 100 years.  Since then their range has been heading northward.  The main reason is due to the lack of predation.  Many of the animals that once kept their numbers in check have been wiped out or significantly reduced.  Global warming probably has had an impact as well.  A warm armadillo is a happy armadillo.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen.     www.ericspix.com