Armadillos in our area? Biologists need your help to track them

CHARLOTTE — Armadillos have caught the eyes of researchers right here in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Wildlife Assets Fee is asking to your assist in monitoring the unfold of the nine-banded armadillos throughout the state.

All it’s a must to do is be observant and prepared to share what you see, based on the wildlife fee.

Biologists are hoping the general public will share pictures, areas and particulars of armadillo sightings with them to trace the whereabouts of the four-legged mammals as they increase their residence all through North Carolina.

Colleen Olfenbuttel, a biologist with the fee, stated 28 counties, from Cherokee County within the west to Dare County within the east, have confirmed armadillo sightings.

“This makes it possible the armadillo is increasing its vary naturally all through North Carolina, slightly than being helped by human intervention,” Olfenbuttel stated.

Armadillos are native to Central and South America, however have steadily expanded to the southeastern United States.

The NC Wildlife Fee acquired its first sighting in 2007 and has acquired practically 900 stories throughout 70 counties within the years since.

The transfer to North Carolina comes because the state experiences fewer stretches of chilly climate. The armadillo lacks insulation and should dig for meals, making it match for the state’s delicate situations.

“Whether or not armadillos proceed spreading past their present vary shall be largely decided by local weather,” Olfenbuttel stated.

If you happen to see an armadillo and need to assist researchers out, you may share info via the iNaturalist app or by emailing armadillo@ncwildlife.org.

Biologists ask that you simply share a photograph, the date and time the animal was seen and the place it noticed with GPS coordinates or an in depth description.

Extra info on armadillos in North Carolina might be discovered right here.

(WATCH BELOW: Armadillo lacking from California zoo)

©2023 Cox Media Group