Armadillos Invade North Carolina: Texas's Iconic State Animal Expands Its Range
Explore the surprising migration of Texas's state animal, the armadillo, as it establishes a new home in North Carolina. Learn how these unique creatures are adapting to their new environment.
Once confined to the warm, arid regions of Texas, the nine-banded armadillo has been steadily expanding its range, making its way into the Tar Heel State of North Carolina. This iconic Texas mammal, known for its distinctive armor-like shell, is now thriving in the more temperate climate of the Southeast, much to the delight of wildlife enthusiasts and the curiosity of local residents.
According to Colleen Olfenbuttel, a wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the armadillo's northward migration is a testament to the species' adaptability and resilience. "They're very opportunistic creatures," Olfenbuttel explains. "As the climate has warmed, they've been able to survive and thrive in new areas, including North Carolina."
The armadillo's journey to North Carolina has been gradual, with the first sightings recorded in the state during the 1980s. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with armadillos now found in numerous counties across the central and eastern regions of the state.
Source: NPR
