Understanding and Safely Coexisting with Houston's Thriving Armadillo Population

Understanding Houston's Armadillo Population

Armadillos are unique and interesting creatures that have become surprisingly common in certain areas of Texas, including around Houston. These armored mammals have a distinction appearance and some intriguing behaviors that make them fascinating to learn about.

What Are Armadillos?

Armadillos are medium-sized mammals identified by their bony plates that cover their body. These plates interlock to form a solid, protective shell when the armadillo curls up. There are approximately 20 different species of armadillos, most of which live in Latin America.

The most common species of armadillo found in the United States is the nine-banded armadillo. Around the size of a house cat, these armadillos get their name from the nine movable bands between their shoulder and hip shields. They have small, stubby tails and long, pointed snouts.

Armadillos Habits and Behaviors

Armadillos are omnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, worms, frogs and toads, eggs, small reptiles and mammals, roots, fruits, and seeds. They have poor vision but an excellent sense of smell which helps them locate food.

Armadillos are expert diggers, using their strong claws and snouts to burrow dens for shelter and protection. Their armored bodies also help protect them from predators when they roll into tight balls.

Primarily nocturnal creatures, armadillos spend most of the day sleeping in their dens and emerge in the early evenings to forage and feed. They are solitary animals that interact mainly for mating.

Range and Population in Houston

Armadillos are native to Central and South America but expanded their range into Texas and other southern states in the 19th century. They continued spreading eastward and northward over time. Today nine-banded armadillos are common across the southern United States from Texas to Florida.

The armadillo population has increased notably in Texas, especially in recent decades. Houston and its surrounding suburban areas now have well-established and growing armadillo populations. Several factors make the region suitable habitat:

• Ample food sources from insects, grubs, and gardens
• Few natural predators in urban and suburban areas
• Abundant yards, parks, fields, and landscaping for foraging
• Creeks, ditches, and canals provide drinking water
• Manmade structures, debris, and landscaping supply shelter

It’s unclear exactly how many armadillos call Houston home but their populations continue expanding across most of the area. The armadillos living among Houston’s neighborhoods and suburbs are now simply a common sight throughout the region.

Spotting Armadillos Around Houston

When Are Armadillos Active?

Armadillos are most frequently spotted while foraging in the early morning and evening hours. If you want to observe armadillos going about their business, your best bet is venturing out near dawn or dusk.

Mid-afternoon sightings do occur but are less common since the temperatures often drive armadillos underground to escape the midday heat. They typically remain in their burrows for much of the afternoon.

Armadillos also forage and wander on mild or wet weather days when temperatures are relatively cool. Heavy rains may bring them out as they avoid flooding in underground burrows.

Good Areas to Find Armadillos

Armadillos inhabit a variety of habitats around Houston but a few locations to consider searching include:

• Parks with creeks or ponds
• Greenbelts or flood control channels
• Golf courses and athletic fields
• Suburban neighborhoods with mature trees and landscaping
• Along railroad, pipeline, and power line easements with brush

Places that provide water, varied vegetation, and potential burrow locations tend to attract and support armadillo populations. Scouting these types of areas around dawn and dusk are your best opportunity to observe Houston’s armadillos.

Signs of Armadillos When Not Spotted

Even if the armadillos themselves remain hidden, they leave behind signs of their presence. Shallow holes around tree roots or next to brush and vegetation often indicate areas where armadillos have been digging for food. Small burrow holes may also be spotted along easements or property edges.

Armadillo droppings are another telltale sign they frequent an area. About the size and shape of marbles, the droppings contain traces of insects and vegetation. Finding a several together typically marks a feeding spot.

Tracks and claw marks in soft dirt provide additional evidence of armadillo activity. Their prints usually show distinctive places made by their claws as they walk or dig.

Living Alongside Houston’s Armadillos

Impacts and Interactions

While armadillos have relatively minimal negative impacts in Houston, their digging and feeding behaviors may cause some annoyances. Rooting through flowerbeds or landscaping mulch in search of grubs and insects can leave yards messy or damage plant roots.

Armadillos may also dig shallow burrows under sheds, stairs, or slabs which can weaken structural foundations. Occasionally, deep burrows in fields may twist ankles or trip horses and livestock.

For gardeners struggling with armadillo damage and digging, installing a fence that begins at least 12 inches deep or spans outward 12-18 inches can help deter them. Removing logs and large rocks around planting beds also reduces suitable habitat.

Safety Considerations

Armadillos are generally harmless to humans unless threatened or cornered. While they rarely attack, armadillos should not be approached since they may lash out by lunging or leaping defensively. Their sharp claws can accidentally scratch if they become frightened.

Armadillos also carry diseases such as salmonella and mycobacteria which can infect humans through close contact. Always thoroughly wash hands after any interaction with armadillos or touching objects in areas they inhabit.

Allowing dogs to closely investigate or attack armadillos is also unsafe. Their claws and snout can injure curious dogs. Additionally, diseases armadillos may carry also pose contamination risks to pets.

Enjoying Their Quirky Presence

While armadillos create some annoyances, most Houston residents accept sharing living space with them. In fact, many people enjoy catching glimpses of armadillos snuffling across yards or greenbelts. We delight encountering these unusual mammals in neighborhoods and parks around the region.

Their armor-plated appearance, energetic digging, and leaping abilities give armadillos an endearing quirkiness. Take sensible precautions but otherwise embrace opportunities to respectfully observe these harmless neighbors rooting through Houston’s habitats.

FAQs

How long have armadillos lived in the Houston area?

Armadillos began expanding their range into Texas in the 19th century and continued spreading eastward over time. Significant populations became established around Houston by the mid to late 1900s as suburban development created suitable habitat.

What threats do armadillos pose to my home?

While armadillos rarely cause serious issues, their burrowing may undermine building foundations over time if they dig under porches or slabs. Protect foundations using fencing buried at least a foot into the ground.

Are armadillos dangerous to people or pets?

Healthy armadillos are not aggressive but should not be closely approached since they may lash out defensively if frightened. Ensure dogs do not come into close contact since their claws and snouts can injure curious pets.

How can I protect my garden and flowerbeds?

Install perimeter fencing at least 12 inches deep and remove cover such as logs or rocks near planting areas. This can deter armadillos from burrowing and rooting around for insects and grubs in the soil.

What is the best way to safely observe armadillos?

Search parks, greenbelts, golf courses and suburban areas at dawn or dusk when armadillos are most active but do not approach or corner them. Enjoy sightings from a safe distance and use binoculars for closer viewing if needed.