Armadillos In Tennessee | Surprising Encounters

Tennessee is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, including a species that many may not realize resides in the state – the armadillo.

Armadillos are medium-sized mammals with a distinctive armor-like shell covering their bodies.

Originally native to Central and South America, armadillos have expanded their range over the last couple of centuries and are now found across the southern United States, including parts of Tennessee.

These unusual animals have adaptions that allow them to thrive, such as the ability to dig burrows rapidly and their minimal need for water.

If you live in Tennessee, you may be wondering – are there armadillos near my home? What kind of armadillos can be found in the state?

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about armadillos in Tennessee, including what types live here, where they can be spotted, and whether they make good neighbors or backyard pests.

We’ll also provide tips on removing armadillos if they become a nuisance while still being respectful of these fascinating creatures.

Keep reading to learn all about armadillos in the Volunteer State!

Are There Armadillos in Tennessee?

Yes – armadillos are definitely present in parts of Tennessee. Two species can be found in the state – the nine-banded armadillo and the southern three-banded armadillo.

The nine-banded armadillo is the most common and widespread species.

It is found throughout the southern United States, including most counties in Tennessee.

This nocturnal forager has been gradually expanding its range northward and eastward since the late 19th century as it followed the development of roads and other cleared land.

The southern three-banded armadillo has a more limited distribution centered in extreme southern Texas and Louisiana.

In Tennessee, it is only found sporadically in the southwest corner of the state near Memphis.

This armadillo prefers forested habitats near water rather than open grasslands.

So while the nine-banded armadillo can be considered well-established in much of Tennessee, the southern three-banded armadillo has a sparse presence.

Continued climate change may allow the nine-banded armadillo to spread farther north in the state in the future.

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Where Do Armadillos Hide During The Day?

Armadillos spend their days tucked away in burrows or other underground shelters.

These solitary mammals are most active at night when they venture out to forage.

During daylight hours, armadillos look for places that provide shelter, safety, and an escape from extreme heat or cold.

Burrows are the armadillo’s main daytime hiding place.

Armadillos are excellent diggers and can excavate their own burrows very quickly.

Their borrowed homes are typically about 7-8 inches wide, around 2 feet deep, and up to 15 feet long.

Burrows are often dug under bushes, the roots of trees, or next to creeks.

In areas without much natural shelter, armadillos may seek out spaces under porches, sheds, or buildings.

They can squeeze into surprisingly small gaps due to their armor plating being attached by flexible skin.

Armadillos may also hide in the cavities beneath rocks, stumps, or logs depending on the surrounding habitat.

Knowledge of their fondness for burrows and the potential to access manmade spaces can help identify areas where armadillos reside.

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Are Armadillos Good to Have Around Your Yard?

Whether armadillos are good to have around your yard really depends on your point of view.

These unusual mammals have some benefits but also some potential drawbacks as backyard residents.

On the positive side, armadillos help control insect and grub populations by eating many bugs and larvae that can become garden pests.

Their digging loosens and aerates soil which can benefit plant growth.

Armadillos pose no health hazards and their timid, non-aggressive nature means they avoid contact with people and pets.

However, armadillos do have downsides. Their burrowing and rooting behaviors can damage lawns, gardens, flower beds, and vegetable patches as they forage.

Armadillos can undermine home foundations, driveways, and sidewalks with extensive burrows.

They may also seek shelter under porches or sheds, increasing contact with humans.

And the holes they create pose tripping hazards.

In the end, tolerance levels for these unusual mammals come down to personal priorities.

Those wanting help controlling bugs may welcome armadillos while homeowners concerned about property damage are more likely to view them as pests.

Knowing the pros and cons helps determine if coexisting with them is right for you.

What To Do If You See An Armadillo?

Armadillos are not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontations. If you spot one, the best thing to do is leave it alone and let it go about its business undisturbed.

Armadillos have poor eyesight but keen hearing and sense of smell. Making noise will typically spur them to retreat.

Resist the urge to approach or corner the armadillo. They can feel threatened easily and may react by jumping straight into the air as a defensive maneuver.

Armadillos can carry Hansen’s disease (leprosy) so try to avoid contact. Their sharp claws can also be unpleasant if an armadillo lashes out after feeling trapped.

You can encourage an armadillo to move on by turning on a bright light, spraying water from a hose, or making loud noises to convince it to flee.

Removing brush piles, closing off access to porches/sheds, and eliminating food sources can also discourage their presence around your home.

In most cases, armadillos spotted during the day are simply passing through a yard and will wander off shortly.

As long as you keep your distance and don’t make an armadillo feel threatened, there is no need for concern.

Enjoy the moment to see this unique animal up close in its natural habitat.

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How To Get Rid of Armadillos In Tennessee

If armadillos become problematic around your home in Tennessee, there are several effective ways to humanely evict them from your property.

The key is using deterrents that convince the armadillos to leave and seek shelter elsewhere.

First, inspect your yard for potential entry points like gaps under porches or openings in foundation walls.

Seal these off using wire mesh, gravel, or concrete to block access. Disrupt any burrows and collapse tunnels to remove their hideaways.

Sprinkling repellents like dried blood meal, mothballs, or predator urine granules around affected areas may also discourage armadillos through scent.

Avoid using poison baits which can harm pets or other wildlife.

Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noisy devices can startle armadillos away when triggered by their movement.

Just ensure any deterrents are animal-friendly. Constant disruption will convince armadillos that your yard is an inhospitable habitat.

As a last resort, trapping and releasing is an option if other methods fail.

Check local regulations, use humane cage traps, and release any captured armadillos at least 5 miles away to prevent them from returning.

With persistence, these tactics can drive armadillos away for good.

Is It Legal to Kill Armadillos In Tennessee

The legality of killing armadillos in Tennessee is a bit complicated.

While they are not protected wildlife in the state, there are some regulations surrounding armadillo removal and when it is permitted.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, there is no closed season for hunting armadillos and no bag limit, essentially making it an open season year-round.

This implies that recreational hunting of armadillos is allowed without restrictions on private lands with the landowner’s permission.

However, on public lands, standard hunting license and permit regulations must be followed. Municipal laws may prohibit discharging firearms in certain areas, which restricts killing armadillos.

The main situation where killing armadillos is openly permitted is when they are causing damage or posing problems on private property.

Tennessee Code states that landowners may destroy any wild animals when they are causing harm to crops, structures, or other assets on their land.

So while not fully protected, armadillos should not be indiscriminately killed in Tennessee.

But with proper licenses and regulations followed, or if they are damaging property, lethal removal may be a legal option. A

Alternatives like exclusion, deterrents, or relocation should be considered first before resorting to killing armadillos.

Can You Have A Pet Armadillo In Tennessee

While their unique appearance and behaviors may make them seem like interesting pets, keeping armadillos as personal pets comes with complications in Tennessee.

There are no state laws specifically prohibiting armadillos as pets. However, capturing wild armadillos from the state’s population is illegal without proper permits.

Purchasing an armadillo from a regulated, out-of-state breeder is an alternative, but finding reputable armadillo breeders can be difficult.

Federal restrictions also apply if trying to bring an armadillo across state lines.

Armadillos are considered a potential rabies vector species by the CDC, so importing one requires certification of veterinary inspection.

Caring for an armadillo presents further challenges. These solitary animals are not social and don’t interact much with humans.

They require specific diets, temperatures, and caging that mimics their natural environment. They can carry pathogens like leprosy that may be transmitted to humans.

While not fully illegal, keeping armadillos as pets in Tennessee involves permitting hurdles and care difficulties that make it an unwise decision for most people.

Those determined to have an armadillo pet would need to thoroughly research all state and federal regulations and be prepared to meet the animal’s demanding habitat and dietary needs.

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Final Thoughts

Armadillos are fascinating creatures, and it’s quite surprising for many to learn these unique mammals can be found right here in Tennessee.

While previously confined to the southernmost US, the nine-banded armadillo has progressively expanded its range north and east, likely driven by warming climates.

This has led to well-established populations across much of Tennessee today.

While the three-banded armadillo has a sparse presence, the widespread nine-banded armadillo may continue spreading across more of the state in the future.

These unusual-looking mammals carve out a niche in Tennessee’s diverse wildlife community.

While at times considered backyard pests, they also provide ecosystem services like insect control.

Their presence prompts us to find ways to coexist with or humanely evict these harmless yet misunderstood creatures.

With plenty still to learn about armadillos in Tennessee, one thing is for sure – these unique mammals are now at home in the Volunteer State and here to stay.

FAQs

Resources – (for further reading)

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – Wildlife Damage Control in Tennessee

Wikipedia – Armadillo

National Wildlife Federation – Nine-Banded Armadillo