Armadillo Found In Charlotte, Confirming Species' Migration

CHARLOTTE, NC — We all know mild North Carolina winters regularly attract vacationers and transplants alike who are anxious to flock to our region from northern states to take advantage of our hospitable temperatures. Now, North Carolina has a another newly confirmed transplant from the south, of the four-legged and shelled variety: armadillos.

While word of armadillo sightings have circulated in the Tar Heel State for years, proof of the animal migration north from border states to the south became irrefutable last week when an injured armadillo was taken in by Carolina Waterfowl Rescue in Indian Trail.

“Armadillo populations spreading into more northern territories like North Carolina is certainly unexpected, but it seems that milder winters have given them the chance to establish themselves in these now warmer climates,” Carolina Waterfowl Rescue said Friday.

The wildlife organization stabilized the armadillo, which is now believed to have been struck by a vehicle, and by Monday it was in the care of Animal Rehabilitators of the Carolinas.

“We are extremely excited to learn about and help a new species to this area,” the rehabilitation group said Aug. 20. “Thankfully, he is receiving care and was not left to suffer.”

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the nine-banded armadillo

It’s a solitary, nocturnal animal that lives in a variety of habitats, including parts of the Tar Heel State, feeding on insects such as ants and termites. The nine banded armadillos “is considered a small game species with no closed season or bag limit,” NC Wildlife said.

Have you ever seen an armadillo in the Charlotte metro region? Tell us about it in the comment section

Main Image: PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 05: An armadillo is seen around the golf course during a practice round prior to the start of THE PLAYERS Championship held at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 5, 2010 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)