Digging Into Amazing Armadillo Adaptations: Do Armadillos Bite?

The only living mammal with a hard shell is an armadillo.

The armadillo is an animal that forages at night. This animal will dig around your property and may create a nuisance.

Armadillos are new world mammals, with Dasypodidae and Chlamyphoridae families being the only survivors in the order Cingulata. Armadillos are medium-sized animals with an average size between 3.5-59 in (8.8-149.8 cm). Armadillos originate from South America. These wildlife critters prefer warm regions with good cover. An armadillo's armor shell is leathery, and it has claws that are sharp and long, which are used to dig. There are currently 21 extant species with nine extinct ones. Armadillos move quickly using their short legs. They have an average length of 30 in (75 cm), and this includes the tail. Their defense mechanism against predators is to roll up into a ball. Tolypeutes species display this behavior but other armadillo species have too many plates to roll up. Also, armadillos generally will not attack you with a bite. They are not aggressive mammals and will only attack when they are either cornered or feel threatened.

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Are armadillos aggressive towards humans?

No, armadillos are not aggressive towards humans.

Armadillos are docile and shy wild animals. These wild creatures are built for defense so, it is rare for them to attack. These critters will not likely pose any threat or risk to dogs, humans, or any animal around them unless they are cornered. However, these diggers can transmit dangerous diseases. Armadillo species are agile and can attain speed very fast. Armadillos either burrow into the ground where they hold themselves with their claws and back or run when they face danger. For short distances, these wildlife critters can outrun human beings. When caught, they will try to defend themselves using their claws so it is not considered safe to pick them up.

Do armadillos bite people or pets?

No, armadillos usually do not bite human beings, dogs, or other pets.

It is very important to take precautions if you are going to handle an armadillo. It is also recommended to get professional help when necessary. Armadillos are master diggers, runners, and swimmers. They will burrow under your home, porch, deck, or shed. They have pig-like snouts and long tongues used to dig for food. There are several small teeth that are peg-like in their tiny mouths. Although these wildlife creatures will not bite dogs, other pets, or humans, the risk of transmitting leprosy is the main concern. Armadillos never chase humans to bite them, however, just one bite is enough for you or your pets to get infected with dangerous diseases. They have strong claws and their scratch can also transmit disease.

What diseases do armadillos carry?

Armadillos carry diseases like rabies, leprosy or Hansen's disease, tapeworms, and salmonella.

There are only a few diseases that armadillos can transmit to dogs, cats, or any other pets, however, these diseases are dangerous. There is only a small number of animals that have low enough body temperature to carry Hansen's disease or leprosy. Mycobacterium leprae in armadillos is known to be the cause of this disease. Leprosy is transmitted when someone comes in contact with armadillos or has eaten one. The number of cases of transmitted leprosy is very low. Tapeworms are parasites present in the feces of an armadillo in the form of eggs. A person with this infection will see signs like intestinal issues and weight loss. The majority of the armadillo population will not carry rabies and be free of the disease. The risk of rabies disease transmission is high only if armadillos scratch or bite you. If you come across an armadillo that is highly active in the day or not very shy around your property, they may have rabies. Salmonella is present in many species and generally gets into the food chain through contaminated water or food by armadillos. Salmonella is known to cause vomiting and diarrhea, and it also attacks the immune system.

How To Avoid Armadillos

To avoid armadillos on your lawn or near your property, you can use mothballs, make exits to the burrow, use a fence, remove small insects in your soil that might attract armadillos, use ingredients with a smell that is unattractive to armadillos, and use a trap around your home.

A fence that has no free space can be erected around your property to stop armadillos. It is also necessary to extend the fence deep inside the ground so that armadillos won't be able to dig through. Since their sense of smell is strong and they use this to find their food you can use an unattractive smell such as ammonia, vinegar, or pine cleaner to deter them. These smells sting their eyes and keep them away from your property. It is also vital to keep any insects that are prey to armadillos from your lawn or garden. You can either use mothballs or insect killers for the same. It is best to call a wildlife removal service that will not only get rid of the species but also repair any damage around your home. However, if you want to get rid of this pest yourself, then you can make use of the bait-cage method. You need to use a strong cage to trap armadillos that not only fits shelled animals but also ones that jump in the air. You can place the trap with the bait around the common path that these species walk.

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