Nine Banded Armadillo Expands Its Range into Indiana

By Andi Anderson

A surprising visitor has been making itself at home across Indiana — the nine-banded armadillo. Once limited to the swamps and forests of the Deep South, this 10 to 15-pound armored mammal is now burrowing its way into Hoosier backyards and woodlands.

According to Brian MacGowan, wildlife specialist with Purdue Extension and coordinator in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, the armadillo’s move north is not new, but its population and range have grown significantly over the past two decades.

“The nine-banded armadillo was first discovered living in Indiana around 2003,” MacGowan said. “Since then, they have been found throughout most of the state, even into the far northeast corner of Steuben County.”

Armadillos tend to establish themselves in wooded areas where they can find their preferred food — ground-dwelling insects. “Their diet is generally ground insects,” MacGowan explained. “If an animal wants to find loads of insects, they will find an abundance in decaying wood.”

The species is also known for its burrowing behavior, with some individuals using over 30 burrows in a single year. When threatened, their instinct is to jump and dash into their burrow for safety.

As nocturnal animals, they are seldom seen by people, though evidence of their digging under decks or in lawns may be visible.

While armadillos are not dangerous, their burrows can pose hazards similar to those caused by groundhogs.

They rely heavily on smell, which can lead them to cross roads in search of food, making them vulnerable to predators like coyotes and to vehicle collisions.

Temperature and moisture play a major role in their survival. Droughts can reduce insect availability, while cold weather prompts them to be more active during the day to stay warm.

MacGowan reminds the public to observe these animals from a distance. “While armadillos can carry diseases like any wild animal, there’s no evidence of transmission to people here in Indiana,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to report armadillo sightings to the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife. These reports help track population shifts and support ongoing research into Indiana’s changing wildlife landscape.

Photo Credit: purdue-university