Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Isn’t it hard to build and own a house today in Indiana? While it was easy before, now due to inflation and other issues, the rates have almost doubled.
And even if you do own them, you are now forced to spend more on their maintenance especially due to the nuisance created by none other than our neighborhood small mammal, Armadillo.
Below In this article, I’ve explained everything you need to know about these common pests living in Indiana.
Are There Armadillo in Indiana?
Yes, You heard it right, Armadillos are present in Indiana. In fact, these are the first species to occur in the state after their extinct cousins from the past.
The Beautiful Armadillo which is also called as Giant Armadillo once roamed across the state until 40,000 years ago. Yes, Nobody has seen those, but the Pleistocene-aged remains of these stories prove this fact.
Why Are Armadillos in Indiana?
Now, these small creatures are found in many places across the state, especially in the southern regions. It’s pretty logical and you’ll know why if you keep reading.
Armadillos, at least the present species is actually not a native of the state or the country for that matter.
They have been migrating from South and Central America for the last few decades. For now, they have only been able to cover the southern regions of the state. However, some sightings have occurred in northern counties.
What Kind of Armadillo Lives in Indiana?
Did you know, there are about 21 species of these resilient Armadillos? And only one of such species occurs in the United States including Indiana?
Yes. Indiana inhabits the beautiful-looking nine-banded armadillo. These creatures are named so because of the presence of nine bands of bone pattern on their skin which forms the armor for their protection.
Also Check Out Our Guide On Armadillo in US
Armadillo Population in Indiana?
It was only recently, precisely in 2000, that the first Armadillo was spotted in Indiana. Since then, there have been about 74 reports of the animal roaming the state. And these sightings have increased in frequency in the last 3 to 4 years.
The population’s spatial trend points to Armadillo’s preference for the southwest region of the state. Incidentally, these are the regions with both deciduous forests and riparian areas.
We cannot precisely estimate Armadillo’s population as they are quite shy creatures, prefer to live underground, and have just begun settling in the state. But we can however attest to the fact that they are growing in numbers.
What Do Indiana Armadillos Eat?
Be it the Indiana Armadillos or the Texas ones, these small mammals love to eat vertebrates and sometimes even plants. By nature, they are insectivores, primarily consuming insect larvae and other invertebrates. While they do have poor vision, their sharp sense of smell compensates for that.
Remember that Armadillo or any other wild creature for that matter, have different dies based on the region they inhabit. In Texas and Indiana, these creatures predominantly include beetles, ants, snails’ spiders, and occasionally reptiles in their diet.
Can You Shoot an Armadillo in Indiana?
No, You cannot shoot an Armadillo in Indiana without a permit. Unless they have been destroying your property or causing substantial damage to it.
These small wild creatures are protected under the state of Indiana and therefore cannot be hunted or trapped. There is also no closed hunting for Armadillo.
Also, an important fact to note is that it’s illegal to sell or consume Armadillo meat even if you have a license for killing it. They are known to carry Leprosy which is one of the most infectious diseases.
Also Check Our Guide On Armadillos In Illinois
How To Get Rid of Armadillo in Indiana?
So, have these creatures made a home on your property? Are you finding holes and burrows often? Don’t worry we can treat it right away and prevent any more Armadillo invasions.
Firstly, it’s always recommended to call a professional trapper to get rid of these pests. They will use non-lethal methods, trap them, and transfer them into the wild. Otherwise, you too can trap or kill them.
To avoid further visits from these creatures lay a fence about 6 feet above ground and 3 feet underground to prevent them from entering your property.
While they are a nuisance to humans, it is not so for the ecosystem. These creatures have a unique role in keeping the insect populations stable.
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the Armadillo In Indiana. I hope this article answered all your queries.
Thank You For Reading!
Our Source For This Guide