43 Texas Armadillo Facts: Law, History, Significance And More

If you have been planning a trip to Texas with the hopes that you may spot an armadillo, the chances are that you will succeed.

Even though armadillos are not the most intelligent animals, the people of Texas sure seem to enjoy their presence in the state. In addition to being easy to find and hunt, armadillo meat is actually tasty and has a texture similar to pork.

This is why armadillo meat is often eaten in Texas and is even called the 'poor man's pork.

The list of reasons why Texas likes armadillos doesn't stop there. Many of the state's integral values are also found in armadillos. The most important one is that the people of Texas and armadillos both love and respect the land! Keep reading for more facts!

Facts About Armadillos In Texas

Armadillos are fascinating creatures, but their features are not as uniform across the species as we may assume. Let us tell you some facts about these shelled animals!

• The nine-banded armadillo is the only species that is found in the United States of America.
• Texas is home to more than just one type of mammal. However, the armadillo is special. The nine-banded armadillo is the state's official small mammal!
• Armadillo racing was once a very popular sport in the state.
• There are many other species of armadillos in the world, but they are unfortunately limited to Central and South America.
• Armadillos are mammals, which means that they give birth to their young in the same way that humans do.
• Armadillos can do much more than just dig holes and burrows.
• Armadillos are good swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to six minutes at a time.
• When enough insects are not available in their natural habitat, they either feed on small animals or amphibians.
• Armadillos' armor may be of varying sizes depending on the species.
• The color and number of bony plates on an armadillo's armor are also variable according to the species that is being studied.
• Climate change is one of the reasons why this animal's range is increasing, and they are migrating.
• Armadillos require warm climates since they have very little fat on their bodies.
• The habitats in which armadillos live need to receive at least 15 in (38.1 cm) of annual rainfall.
• This mammal always gives birth to quadruplets.
• Breeding takes place in July, and their gestation period is around four months.
• However, once a single egg is fertilized, it remains dormant for a few months so that the offspring are not born at an unfavorable time.
• The single fertilized egg then divides into four identical parts, which gives rise to quadruplets.
• This armadillo species is named because of the simple fact that its tough skin is pinkish in color.
• This species, Chlamyphorus truncatus, cannot be seen in Texas.
• Armadillos have increased lifespans when they are raised in captivity.
• Armadillo meat supposedly tastes like pork, but the only way to tell is to try it!
• Texas armadillos, like all other species, may carry leprosy.
• This is because these animals have very low body temperatures.
• The killing of Armadillos is not illegal in the state of Texas.
• Armadillos forage for food all through the day!

Armadillos' Significance In Texas

There are around 20 species of armadillos in the world. However, most of the other types are only found in South and Central America.

• Nine-banded armadillos are named after the nine bands that are visible on their outer shells.
• An armadillo shell is made of a compound that is similar to human nails (keratin).
• Contrary to popular belief, not all armadillos can roll themselves up into a ball.
• In fact, only two armadillo species are capable of such gymnastics.
• Until the '50s, armadillos were only found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
• Texas loves armadillos, and they are easy to find.
• Many of the features that armadillos have are similar to the states' values, such as respect for the land and dependence on it.
• Today, armadillos' reach has extended up to South Carolina, North Dakota, and Florida.
• An armadillo is almost completely insectivorous. The nine-banded armadillo is found in Dallas, Texas, and Austin, Texas.
• A nine-banded armadillo would typically weigh between five to 14 lb (2.7-6.4 kg).
• The tail of a nine-banded armadillo is typically 10-20 in (25.4-50.8 cm) long.
• The World Armadillo Headquarters in Austin is named after the animal due to their presence there.

History Of Armadillos In Texas

The history of armadillos coming to Texas is quite interesting!

• Armadillo is the official state mammal of Texas, and they do not hibernate.
• By 1880, nine-banded armadillos had traveled across the Rio Grande Valley and made their way to South Texas and places such as Louisiana, Austin, and Oklahoma.
• In addition to being the official state mammal of Texas, armadillos are also found in at least 15 other states of the United States of America.

Laws About Armadillos In Texas

It may not be illegal to shoot armadillos in Texas, but there are other laws in place!

• Laws in Texas prohibit the sale of armadillos that are still alive.
• This law was passed in order to stop people from developing health issues that often stem from eating armadillo meat.
• The law is mandatory, since eating armadillo meat was a common practice in Texas.