Chicago, IL – Armadillos, long associated with Texas and the southern U.S., are steadily pushing north through the Midwest and could reach Chicago and other northern cities within five to 10 years, according to researchers at the Field Museum.
According to Anderson Feijó, assistant curator of mammals at the museum, the animals have already been spotted in southern Illinois, and environmental DNA testing indicates they may be present in Kankakee County. The nine-banded armadillo — the only species found in the U.S. — has expanded its range for decades, crossing the Rio Grande in the 1800s and slowly migrating north through Missouri, Arkansas and now into Illinois.
Experts say the movement is aided by warming winters, which allow the animals to survive in regions once thought too cold or snow-covered for them to thrive. Armadillos have also adapted their diet to include roots and fruits in addition to insects, improving their chances of survival in new habitats.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to report sightings to help track their progress. Wildlife scientists are watching closely, as armadillos are not native to the Midwest and could disrupt ecosystems by competing with native mammals such as raccoons and preying on ground-nesting birds.
Without natural predators like jaguars or cougars found in their native range, populations could expand rapidly once established. The animals are also known to cause lawn and garden damage, spread diseases including leprosy, and create traffic hazards with their unusual habit of leaping when startled.
Researchers say the Midwest is in a rare position to study the environmental changes before and after armadillos fully arrive — a shift that may happen sooner than expected.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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