MISSOURI — Across Missouri, drivers have recently reported increased sightings of armadillos along roadways. One driver shared on Reddit they even came across over 45 dead armadillos on their drive to Arkansas.
While armadillos are not originally native to Missouri, over time they have called the Show-Me State their permanent home after migrating from Mexico in the 1950s, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The nine-banded, shelled mammals are unique to other Missouri animals, as they are not only vastly different in appearance but also in behavior. One odd characteristic is when these “armored” mammals are scared, they jump straight into the air and can also swim, allowing them to expand into new territories.
When are armadillos most active?
During the winter, armadillos do not hibernate and are also not adapted to the snow and ice, leaving them to retreat underground to scavenge for food.
As warmer temperatures arrive in Missouri and insects begin to emerge, armadillos typically become more active during the summer months. Especially during mating season, between June and August, according to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation.
Where can you typically spot an armadillo?
While they are commonly seen on the side of the road, armadillos typically prefer forests or grassland habitats, according to the MDC.
In Missouri, the MDC said they are more populated south of the Missouri River with fewer numbers in the northern part of the state.
The mammal has a diet that consists of insects, ants, beetles, flies, and larvae underground, which can lead them to dig burrows within fields or wooded and brushy areas.
What should you do if you see an armadillo?
If a driver comes across an armadillo on the roadway, since the animal has poor eyesight and hearing, they will typically jump straight up when scared, causing drivers to hit them. Drivers should remember to prioritize their own safety and consider their surroundings.
If the driver is alone on the roadway, stopping suddenly to avoid hitting the armadillo is an option, or cautiously swerving if they are the only vehicle on the road. If there are other vehicles on the roadway, hitting the animal is also an option, though it could cause problems for a vehicle’s undercarriage.
The MDC said armadillos can become problematic for their digging in the ground and damaging yards.
If they do become a consistent problem, residents are encouraged to lay off watering their yards to prevent attracting insects or go as far as using metal traps to capture a problematic armadillo.