Despite their reputation as destructive pests, new research reveals that armadillos support dozens of other species — including, possibly, humans.
When people encounter armadillos, they usually describe the armored mammals in derogatory terms.
“Pests” is a common word, as are “invaders” and even “speed bumps.” Many homeowners brag of “eradicating” them from their properties.
Why the hatred? Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) — the only armadillo species in the United States — have slowly expanded their range through the southern and midwestern United States over the past few decades, a process that’s sped up in recent years. Whenever they arrive, they start digging — either to find tasty insects or grubs to eat, or to carve out the large burrows they call home. Those holes can disrupt agricultural fields, backyard gardens and golf courses. And all too often, these incursions into human territory cost the cat-sized animals their lives.
Armadillos Make Great Neighbors • The Revelator
When people encounter armadillos, they usually describe the armored mammals in derogatory terms.
“Pests” is a common word, as are “invaders” and even “speed bumps.” Many homeowners brag of “eradicating” them from their properties.
Why the hatred? Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) — the only armadillo species in the United States — have slowly expanded their range through the southern and midwestern United States over the past few decades, a process that’s sped up in recent years. Whenever they arrive, they start digging — either to find tasty insects or grubs to eat, or to carve out the large burrows they call home. Those holes can disrupt agricultural fields, backyard gardens and golf courses. And all too often, these incursions into human territory cost the cat-sized animals their lives.
Armadillos Make Great Neighbors • The Revelator