Florida is home to tons of different species of animals. You can find panthers, alligators, black bears, and even manatees. If you have ever wondered whether Florida has armadillos, you’d be correct.
The main type of armadillo found in Florida is called the nine-banded armadillo. The scientific name for these animals is Banded Armadillo Dasypus Novemcinctus.
An armadillo can hold its breath for up to 6 minutes. Additionally, armadillos are nocturnal and have a keen sense of smell.
Armadillos are known to eat small reptiles and amphibians. They might also snack on certain fruits and vegetables. They like to live near wide bodies of water, making Florida an ideal place for them to live.
While armadillos have many interesting qualities, they can be dangerous to humans. Because they carry diseases like leprosy, you should never approach one on your own. If you notice armadillos roaming around your property, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal company.
Does Florida Have Armadillos?
Florida is home to a species of armadillo known as the nine-banded armadillo. Another name for this animal is the long-nosed armadillo. Its ancestors are from South America and came to the United States in the late 1800s.
Mature armadillos range from 15 to 17 inches long. These mammals can live between 7 to 20 years in the wild. Unfortunately, they have many natural predators, including coyotes and raccoons.
An interesting fact about Florida armadillos is that they are born as identical quadruplets. In other words, their mother lays a single egg that eventually divides into four. The gestation period is similar to humans, as it takes 8 to 9 months.
While Florida does not experience a true winter, armadillos burrow to get away from the cold weather. If you notice armadillos in your yard during the wintertime, they might be looking for warmth.
Are Armadillos Dangerous?
While armadillos are not aggressive, they can be dangerous to humans and their pets. If you handle or eat an armadillo, you could contract one of the many diseases they carry. In other words, you should avoid contact with armadillos as much as possible.
The main disease that armadillos carry is leprosy. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), two-thirds of human leprosy cases in the Southern USA are linked to armadillos.
Why Are Armadillos Coming Onto Your Property?
Armadillos will come onto your property for a variety of reasons. First, they love to eat insects, fruits, and veggies. If you have a garden, you might find armadillos snacking on your plants.
Another reason you might find armadillos near your home is because they are looking for shelter. Armadillos burrow in the ground to keep warm. If you have shrubs, bushy trees, rock piles, or debris, they might be attracted to your yard.
Ways to prevent armadillos from coming onto your property include:
- Removing or securing food sources
- Trimming bushes and trees
- Installing in-ground fencing
- Using electric fencing
- Live trapping with bait
- Calling a wildlife removal company
It is best to eliminate armadillos humanely. While they are not protected, they are an important part of local ecosystems. With that being said, professional wildlife removal companies can help you remove armadillos ethnically.
Signs of Armadillos on Your Property
Because armadillos are nocturnal, you might not notice them during the daytime. However, if the temperature is cool, they might emerge to forage during the day.
The first sign of armadillos on your property is shallow holes in the soil and upturned plants. This is because armadillos burrow to keep warm and forage in gardens.
Other signs of armadillos on your property include:
- Foul smells that they secret from their glands
- Uprooted plants
- Damaged pavement from burrowing
- Distinct nose prints in the soil
How Can a Professional Wildlife Removal Company Help?
While armadillos are not usually aggressive, they could become defensive if threatened. Because they carry leprosy, it is best to avoid confrontation. Because of this, you should always contact a wildlife removal company.
Companies like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers will remove armadillos by placing live traps. Typically, this involves using a cage that includes bait like mealworms or earthworms. The trap will be placed near a burrow where an armadillo is living.
Once the armadillo is in the trap, the experts will relocate them to a safe location. If an armadillo shows signs of disease, they might be euthanized by animal control. That said, wildlife removal companies do everything they can to protect the lives of the animals they remove.
Get Connected With an Armadillo Removal Company
If you have noticed armadillos on your property, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers are here to help. We can remove and relocate armadillos ethically, keeping you and your family safe from disease. Additionally, we can help you repair any damage that armadillos have inflicted on your property.
Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is one of the largest, privately owned companies in Florida, which offers professional wildlife and animal removal. We have been in existence for the last 5 years and we provide exceptional wildlife removal services.
Contact us today to learn more about armadillos in Florida and how to remove them safely.
