Study: Armadillos are expanding across Indiana

(WXIN/WTTV): The Hoosier state is beginning to see more armadillos as their breeding populations continue to spread.

According to a study that was recently conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, armadillo populations in Indiana are now breeding in several different portions of the state. Experts referred to this as “established”, meaning the armadillo populations are frequently observed or “regularly occur” in the outlined geographic area.

The very first armadillo sighting in Indiana was recorded in 2003 in Gibson County. Over the next decade, a total of 11 armadillo detections were recorded in southwestern Indiana across nine different counties. The study said it is likely that the first armadillos arrived in Indiana from southeastern Illinois. Other sightings have been spotted as far north as Porter County near the Michigan border.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said it has received over 74 reports of sighted armadillos. The frequency of reports has increased within the past five years, DNR said, as nearly 80% of armadillo reports have been filed between 2017 and 2021.

“The spatial trend in these reports suggests that armadillos occur regularly in southwestern Indiana, where habitats provide a great mix of deciduous forest and riparian areas,” Indiana DNR said. “However, additional time and reports are needed to better assess the abundance and distribution of armadillo within Indiana.”

Armadillos’ diets primarily consist of insects, but they are also known to consume beetles, ants and other invertebrates.

Indiana DNR encourages anyone who has spotted an armadillo to submit a Report a Mammal form alongside photographs so experts can help determine the age and sex of the animal.

“Since this species has naturally expanded into Indiana, it is important to gather information of sightings to better understand their distribution and movements,” Indiana DNR said. “These observations can also help us monitor interactions between nine-banded armadillos and other species found in Indiana.”