Armadillos On The Increase In Kentucky

Photo - Oklahoma State University Extension

Photo – Oklahoma State University Extension

A few years back, I was driving along the Western Kentucky Parkway and “what to my wondering eyes did appear,” but an armadillo squashed by a tire. How? How did an armadillo end up here?

As it turns out, armadillos are spotted in Kentucky quite often. The variety we have, the nine-banded armadillo, originated in Central America and South America. Natuiralist and wildlife specialist, Scott Shupe, says their range is still expanding.

click to download audioIt appears that Mother Nature may work to stop the armadillo’s expansion.

click to download audioIf you have armadillos in your area, you can easily spot signs of their presence.

click to download audioThe armadillo’s armored appearance makes it look reptilian, but this almost hairless animal is a mammal.

click to download audioBut the biggest predator of armadillos is not another animal.

click to download audioThey are not after your tomatoes or petunias since armadillos eat insects. If you see armadillos rooting in your garden, they can be approached

click to download audioA number of hard freezing winters that would make survival extremely difficult may be the only thing that will slow armadillos’ expansion. It appears that armadillos are here to stay.