I'll never forget the first time I saw an armadillo. It was on a turkey hunting trip in north Florida.
With my back against a tree, I heard a rustling from an unknown origin. My thoughts originally turned to rattlesnake because I had been warned about them.
Thankfully, an armadillo came into view as it slowly shuffled along the forest floor. Those things sure wouldn't win any beauty contest. I've heard of people eating them, but there was no way I would ever want to try it. Some refer to them as "opossum on the half shell."
Well, it seems like over the past several years they are now burrowing their way across back yards and woodlands of Indiana.
The nine-banded armadillo is the only armadillo species found in the United States. In Spanish, armadillo means "little armored one," which describes the hard, armor-like shell covering most of its body.
They are unique in appearance, which makes them easy to identify. They're about the size of a house cat, weighing around 10-15 pounds. They are known as powerful diggers and can quickly hollow out burrows to seek shelter and avoid predators. Later these holes in the ground are used by other species such as rodents, reptiles and amphibians.
Around 2005, sightings of armadillos were first reported along southern Indiana roadways. Recent reports now indicate the species can be found in the entire southern half of Indiana. Two years ago, one was found dead in White County. Some thought it was placed there as a joke. One report has been received as far north as Steuben County.
To date, none have been confirmed in Howard or neighboring counties, but that may change soon.
To date the DNR has confirmed over 230 reports of armadillos with the majority received from 2017-2025. This proves they are growing in population. They are classified as "insectivores" meaning their primary diet consists of insects, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The primary food source are beetles, worms, spiders and grasshoppers.
Armadillos were first reported in Texas in the mid-1800s then in Florida by the early 1900s. Since then they have continued a northward movement. How far north they will go is anyone's guess. It was once thought their population would not pass Tennessee or Kentucky due to cold weather. Evidently, they were wrong.
Armadillos prefer warmer weather and cannot tolerate extended periods of cold weather. Because of limited body fat and sparse fur, they are highly susceptible to hypothermia and starvation during winter months. However, some may survive during extreme cold by taking shelter in their burrows.
According to the DNR, evidence shows the expanding armadillo population should not negatively affect Indiana's various wildlife populations. Currently there is no active management plan for these armored creatures, but that could change in upcoming years. According to those who live in heavily populated armadillo areas, they can become a nuisance.
My friend Jerry Sapp, who lives in rural north Florida, says they can create problems with their excavations.
"They are constantly digging burrows under my barns and home," he explained. "Several times a year I have to eradicate some to keep their numbers down on my property."
The DNR says placing a radio or illuminating burrows will also drive them away.
In Indiana nine banded armadillos are protected under Administrative Code (312 IAC 9-3-18.5) and cannot be trapped or killed unless it is destroying or causing damage to private property. If that's the case then they can removed without a permit.
Armadillos can carry several dangerous diseases including rabies. But the one that scares people the most is the bacteria that can cause leprosy.
Unbelievably the nine-banded armadillo is not the first armadillo species to reside in the Hoosier State. That distinction goes to the Beautiful Armadillo (now that's an oxymoron) also known as the Giant Armadillo which occurred in Indiana around 11,000 years ago. Numerous remains have been found in Central Indiana caves and riverbeds. They weighed up to 45 pounds reaching nearly 4 feet in length.
For some, the natural expansion of armadillos into Indiana is exciting. For others "meh." Regardless how you feel about these scavengers, you can submit sightings to the DNR's "report a mammal" link on their website. Information will only help the Division of Fish and Wildlife develop a proper management plan.
Over the past several years, other forms of wildlife have been spotted in Indiana, like black bears, snowy owls and the occasional mountain lion. However they were either escapees from game farms or returned across the line to the state they originated from. But this time it looks like armadillos may be here to stay.