Roadkill Confirms Nine-Banded Armadillo Populations Made Its Way to Kentucky

Although the nine-banded armadillo is not endemic to Kentucky, sightings have led to speculation that the species may have arrived there; recent roadkill of one supports this speculation.

New Residents of Kentucky in Roadkill

Officials in Kentucky recently learned that a new species has settled in the Bluegrass State, information that came as a result of an unfortunate mishap.

On the outskirts of Louisville, in the Bernheim Forest, a car was driving when it drove over a little animal, leaving it dead on the road.

According to a news release on July 31 from the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, the roadkill was examined and found to be a nine-banded armadillo, making it the first confirmed occurrence in the state.

The sighting and earlier unsubstantiated claims suggested that the animals have made their way to Kentucky on four legs.

Historically connected to the American southwest, armadillos have recently begun to invade other states as the species "rapidly" spread into the Midwest and South.

Nine-banded armadillos are becoming more numerous. Roadways have made it simpler for them to go to other areas because humans have eliminated the majority of their natural predators.

When startled, nine-banded armadillos have a propensity to leap straight up into the air, which frequently results in their death on highways.

Cars can easily drive right over them because they are so little, yet they leap up and strike the undercarriage of moving vehicles.

Nine-Banded Armadillo

The nine-banded armadillo is the only species--of which there are twenty--that can be found in the United States.

Contrary to popular perception, it cannot wrap up into a ball as only two armadillo species are capable of doing so. Its name translates to "little armored one" in Spanish.

According to officials, a multitude of causes, including climate change, a high reproduction rate, and the hunting of its predators, have contributed to the nine-banded armadillo's growth.

The armored insect-eaters are not dangerous to people, but, according to officials, they might break an ecosystem's delicate equilibrium.

The critters can obliterate native plants and propagate alien species by digging through soil in quest of nourishment.

On the other hand, while armadillos are known to use armadillo burrows, they might be of great help to other creatures including bobcats, rabbits, and reptiles.

When visiting Bernheim Forest, Kentucky residents are advised to keep an eye out for the "unique" monster.

Also Read: Climate Change: Armadillos Migrate to North Carolina for Warmer Weather 

Risks of Becoming Invasives

Because of what happened in Florida, perhaps Kentucky officials are hesitant to allow nine-banded armadillos to establish a population in the state.

In Florida, the Dasypus novemcinctus, or nine-banded armadillo, is regarded as an invasive species. Numerous areas, including lawns, golf courses, flower and vegetable gardens, nurseries, sports fields, cemeteries, and orange groves, are damaged by armadillo feeding activities.

Due to their preference for quail and turtle eggs, armadillos have been held responsible for the decline in bobwhite quail and sea turtle populations.

Armadillos dig burrows under and around buildings, which is also said to contribute to structural instability.

In Florida and much of the Southeast, they are among the most bothersome pests.

Related Article: Chicago Sightings of Southern Animal Armadillos Prove Northward Movement, Puzzles Scientists