![]() Armadillos typically move approximately 35 cubic feet of soil for each burrow system they dig. They can move quite a bit of dirt and can potentially undermine the stability of a structure if they remove the supporting soil beneath it. They might also choose to dig a tunnel (burrow) under your deck, porch, shed, or home for a place to live.Īrmadillo burrows are typically 6-8 inches in diameter and are only as wide as the animal's body. You may wake up to find deep holes throughout your lawn which is a result of armadillos digging for grubs and earthworms. There are some sure fire signs you may need to get rid of armadillos. Armadillos have long stick tongues that aid in the collection of ants, termites and other insects and have been observed rolling in ant and termite mounds to dislodge as many insects as possible to make feeding more productive. It is believed they developed this ability due to the fact they have their snouts buried in the soil for long periods of time forging for insects. They can hold their breath up to 6 minutes underwater. Armadillos will inflate their intestines to float across small streams and rivers or sink and run across the riverbed. Though armadillos have short legs they can move quickly when threatened. The North American Nine Banded Armadillo can jump 3 to 4 feet straight up into the air when surprised often colliding with the undercarriages and bumpers of passing vehicles. Most species of armadillo will try and flee any danger by running into heavy brush or thorn bushes if available. Contrary to popular belief it is only the Three Banded Armadillo that can roll itself into a ball to avoid attacks. The middle toes on the 2 front feet are longer than the rest and are used for digging but are not as large as the much bigger Giant Armadillo of South America. They also use their front claws to dig up the ant and termite nests. They often have several within their home range. They use their front claws to dig out burrows to live in which are only as wide as the animal itself. ![]() The underside and inner portions of the legs have no armor but are protected by tough skin and a layer of coarse hair. This armor protection covers their back, sides, head, tail and outward sections of the legs. The scutes are connected by flexible bands of skin. ![]() The outer shell is composed of non-overlapping "scutes" which are similar to scales but are formed in the outer layer of the epidermis. Nine Banded Armadillos are the largest of the species and measure anywhere between 25 and 42 inches including the tail. Armadillos weigh on average about 13 lbs but the largest specimens can reach weights of up to 22 lbs.
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