Why the Nine Banded Armadillo is Flourishing Today
The Nine Banded Armadillo is the most common armadillo, and the one that you first think of when you hear the term "armadillo." This specific species has done quite well and has expanded its territory greatly over the past century. Originating in South America, the Nine Banded Armadillo migrated to the United States, which has suitable dry climate areas for the armadillo.
Contents at a Glance
Armadillo Invasion
The spread of the Nine Banded Armadillo over the South

Armadillo near a creek, it's preferred home
Armadillo Photos
Armadillo Sightings...
Take our poll on Armadillos!
The Coolest Plush Armadillos
The Amazing Inflatable Armadillo?
Armadillos have a strange property that may be unique to them--the ability to inflate their stomachs with air. This allows them to cross larger bodies of water like wide rivers easier. It's kind of like a built-in life jacket! Weird but true.
Recommended Armadillo Books
Digging Armadillos (Pull Ahead Books)
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The Astonishing Armadillo (Nature Watch)
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Animal Tracks of Texas (Animal Tracks Guides) (Animal Tracks Guides)
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Moon Handbooks Texas (Moon Handbooks)
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Rand McNally 1st Edition Texas road atlas
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Why all the Roadkill?
Nine Banded Armadillos are commonly seen across Texas as roadkill. These animals are usually nocturnal, and have poor eyesight. It doesn't help that they are also sluggish, and usually jump UP when frightened. The Nine Banded has also moved into more populated areas, increasing car strikes.
Armadillos Love I-10
You're likely to see some armadillos on your I-10 road trip across the southern states. See some of the sites you can see across the southern states of the country here.-
Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route
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If you love warmth and sunshine, this is the perfect US road trip for you where you'll get to see 8 different states. Some of the most unique areas of the country are all easily accessible from I-10, a highway that begins in Los Angeles and ends in...
An Endangered Armadillo
The Giant Armadillo
Not all armadillos are doing as well as the Nine-Banded Armadillo of the Southwest. The Giant Armadillo of South America is in danger of dying out, and is an endangered species.
Armadillo Videos
Texas Armadillo
For everyone that hasn't seen an armadillo up close, here you go. Straight from South Texas, found this Nine-banded Armadillo and followed him back to his burrow. He put on a little show for me. After I stopped filming he came out again and jumped two feet over my legs. Fell over I was so surprised.
Runtime: 2:02
72439 views
10 Comments:
Armadillo Links
- Armadillo Online!
- Devoted entirely to the armadillo, this site has amazing pictures and facts.
- National Geographic Profile on the Armadillo
- A quick profile from National Geographic providing armadillo facts.
- Nine Banded Armadillo
- Nine Banded Armadillo factsheet.
Relatives of the Armadillo
Armadillos are closely related to anteaters and sloths. Check out these cool animals right here on Squidoo!-
S Is For Sloth
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Sloths are nocturnal, South American mammals known for being especially slow-moving.
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Armadillo -- Armored and Placental
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The armadillo is quite an interesting looking mammal. I first became acquainted with these small placental mammals when I moved to Florida. I saw my first armadillo when I first moved to Florida many years ago. My frequent spottings usually are of th...
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Aardvark Love
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Aardvark: noun a nocturnal, insectivorous mammal, Orycteropus afer, with large ears, a long snout, and a long tongue, native to sub-Saharan Africa. [Afrikaans from aarde earth + vark pig] — Canadian Oxford Dictionary
More Endangered Species....
Unfortunately the Giant Armadillo is in decline, along with many other species...-
All About Endangered Species
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Endangered species are threatened by a number of forces. Why do they become endangered? Predators, loss of habitat and changing environment have all contributed to a decline in many species. It is important for species at risk to gain attention befor...
In Short...
Nine Banded Armadillos are doing okay. Some speculate their recent spread to other southern states is from climate change, while others argue human development is the reason. While this species is doing just fine, the Giant Armadillo continues to decline in South America.
Seen an Armadillo Lately?
Tell us about it!
naturegirl7 wrote...
We have lots of armadillos down here. Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
The Armadillo is a fascinating creature. I've never seen one not even in a zoo. Someday...
Great lens.
Lizzy
Lakota429 wrote...
Very interesting! I love it! Saw your new one on the board. Great job! 5 stars! Annie~
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