Does the Nine-Banded Armadillo Migrate?

The nine-banded armadillo has been migrating north from South America since the year 1850. Biologists never expected these mammals to reach areas in the Midwest US, or far northern climates, but this is occurring at a steady pace. A number of factors have assisted the progress of the armadillos' northward movement.

How does the nine-banded armadillo move?

When startled, the nine-banded armadillo can jump straight upward about three to four feet into the air. This reflex may help scare off predators in the wild. Unfortunately, many armadillos are killed when they jump into the underside of moving vehicles.

Do armadillos migrate?

Like coyotes, armadillos are opportunistic creatures, unquestionably moving north for reasons unrelated to climate change, cautioned McDonough. That explains their spread into northern Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma and other southern states.