Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Armadillo Expansion Northward Continues, Puzzling Researchers

A recent armadillo discovery in Ohio, a state where the animal is virtually unheard of, highlights the ongoing northward expansion of the species. This finding suggests armadillos may soon establish a presence in Ohio, continuing their surprising migration.

The Mexican long-nosed armadillo has been moving north and east from Texas since the mid-1800s. They can cross water by holding their breath or increasing buoyancy, and also travel via vehicles.

Predictions about limits due to cold and dry conditions have been surpassed. Armadillos are now in 17 states and occasionally sighted in four others. This expansion is linked to climate change, milder winters, and land-use shifts.

U.S. armadillos have a broader diet than those in South America, consuming insects, roots, and fruits, aiding their colonization. They breed prolifically, typically having litters of four identical quadruplets annually.

Experts predict continued expansion, potentially reaching New England. While they can carry leprosy bacteria, transmission risk to humans is low with precautions like not touching them.

Their digging can damage property but also creates burrows used by other species for shelter. The ecological impact of their expansion is still under study.

Armadillos face risks, particularly from traffic, due to poor eyesight and a startle response. The Mexican long-nosed armadillo population is stable and of least concern.

Despite assumptions about cold vulnerability, armadillos adapt to low temperatures and find food. Researchers investigate the limits of their northward movement, with current indications suggesting continued expansion.

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