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06.27.2003 - The Nine Banded Armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus is not native to North America, including the two states in which it most thrives,
Florida and Texas. The mammal is originally from south/central America. However, it has been transplanted to the states, and it survives just fine here. Rumor
has it that the species was introduced to Florida in the early 20th century when two armadillos escaped from a small zoo. Who knows. Usually, exotic, or non-
native species end up establishing populations in suitable habitats, because people invevitably transport the animals. In the case of the Nine-Banded Armadillo,
Florida turns out to be an ideal environment - there's plenty of food, it's warm enough, the soft soil is easy to dig, and there are no significant natural
predators. Even though armadillos are non-indiginous, I don't think they're harmful at all. They don't breed quickly, they don't spread disease, they don't kill
any existing animals, they don't really compete much for territory with existing animals, they don't destroy crops, and so on. The primary nuisance actually
seems to be in the suburban environment, when they dig tunnels under homes or other manmade structures.
I took the above photo of an armadillo digging in the dirt, in search of earthworms or grubs. Armadillos are alert at times, but at other times, I can sneak
right up and photograph them. They're so busy rooting around for food that they ignore their surroundings. No big deal, if in trouble, their tough hides will
save them from attack.
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