Nine Banded Armadillos, Alive and Well

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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.

 

Nine-Banded Armadillo by Ryan Somma

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Armadillo Invasion 

The spread of the Nine Banded Armadillo over the South

The Nine Banded initially was only found in eastern Texas in the early 1900's, however, it quickly spread to other areas. There are a number of reasons why this has hapenned, from development of cities forcing the animals to other areas, to climate change. Another reason why these animals have flourished, and possibly the biggest reason, is the lack of predators. The armadillo is highly protected by its thick, scaley armor, and proves to be a difficult source of food for any other animal. It's natural predators have also been in decline, allowing the animal to spread out across several other states across the South.

Armadillo near a creek, it's preferred home

 

Armadillos Rock! Jr. Raglan

Armadillos Rock! A cute Junior Raglan featuring the Nine Banded Armadillo. This t-shirt design is also available on other designs!

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Armadillo Sightings... 

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The Coolest Plush Armadillos 

Here are some cool plush armadillos. They make the coolest gifts and are pretty unique.

Plush Armadillo w/ Picture Hang Tag 19"

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Plush Chinook Armadillo 9"

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Plush Arthur Armadillo 10"

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Armadillo, Realistic Wildlife Plush Stuffed Animal, 6"

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Plush Three Banded Armadillo 14"

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armadillo by Dawn Ashley

I was following this armadillo around in my backyard this evening, when it sudde...

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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)

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Moon Handbooks Texas

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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.

 

Armadillo XING Kids Dark T-Shirt

Watch our for Armadillo! They're very prone to getting hit by cars. You'll see this Armadillo XING sign all over some of the southern states. Looks cute on this kids t-shirt!

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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.

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.

a giant armadillo having a nap by heatherlyone

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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: 122
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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!

More Endangered Species.... 

Unfortunately the Giant Armadillo is in decline, along with many other species...

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.

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Cool, Unique Kiwi Clothing at www.kiwisoutback.com

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The Armadillo is a very cool animal that has thrived in the middle southern states of the United States. It's also a well recognized symbol of the sta... (more)

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