Armadillo Invasion: Why Did They Choose the Carolinas? Scientists Aren't Sure But They're Here to Stay

Experts in the country are reporting unnatural migration of numerous armadillos from the southern regions, and the main reason behind the animal's relocation may be worse than expected.

Armadillos are often seen in warmer regions. Although the armored mammals are seemingly invulnerable, they have a preference for their habitat. Armadillos are commonly present in the vast state of Texas, but in recent years, they have been seen moving across the country, reaching up to the northern regions such as North and South Carolina.

Armadillos in the Carolinas

(Photo: HOLGER HOLLEMANN/AFP/GettyImages)
Armadillos Wilma and Fred (R) eat an apple in the outdoor enclosure at the zoo in Hanover, northern Germany, on October 10, 2012. Armadillos are primarily found in South and Central America.

It is almost 15 years since the armadillos have been discovered to spread from South America. Since their migration, the animals are being spotted in multiple states where they are unlikely to take shelter on, such as Nebraska. Missouri, and Iowa.

In the latest monitoring, the armadillos were found to have been fond of building their territories in the Carolinas more than other states. Because of the excessive presence of armored species in the state, many citizens consider the armadillos a 'nuisance.' The reaction from the Carolinas population was due to the unwanted holes and soil disturbance brought by the animal's habitual digging.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' wildlife biology expert Jay Butfiloski said in a report by The State that in the past few years, the armadillos have seemingly taken off in the state. The expert added that the species have spread to places where the animals are least expected to live.

These places include Piedmont, the Savannah River, and other mountains stretching across the state. The most bizarre case is that armadillos have been found in areas where thicker soil is made of clay, which is more challenging for the species to dig than the soft soil they were accustomed to.

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Why Did the Armadillos Move Northward?

Butfiloski said that the armadillos are naturally found in places with sandier-type soil. These places are perfect for the animals as the grounds are easy for them to dig. However, the sightings in northern states just do not add up, as harder, thicker soil would be extremely challenging for the armored mammals to dig. Regardless, the conditions in the upper regions did not stop the armadillos from migrating, and there must be a reason why they do this.

Southern Living reported that, up until today, there is still no concrete scientific explanation as to why the armadillos moved from south to northern parts of the United States. However, the movement of the animals could be pointed to the imminent changing of our planet's climate.

In the report, Patrick McMillan, a former professor of Clemson University, said that climate change could be among the drivers of the armadillos northward movements. However, it may not be the leading cause of the migration. According to the expert, urbanization may have impacted the natural habitats of the armadillos, pushing them to flee from their homes and migrate to the north.

McMillan added that the armadillos are not as dangerous as people thought. Moreover, they are also significantly tame compared to the destructive character of feral pigs.