Are armadillos pests?

Question

What's the deal with armadillos? Do they get into the trash cans? Do they eat your vegetables from your garden? Do they torment your pets? Do they attack viciously when you step out for the paper?

Or do children chase them about, rolling them up into balls and throwing them hither and thither...?

Inquiring minds in California want to know.

Answer 1

Dear Inquiring Californians,

Armadillos (there is one outside my window as I write this) are the most amazing little creatures. They hop like rabbits and can jump straight up in the air about four feet. They are lovely shades of grey, and have the most intelligent eyes (outside of a cat).

They are noctural animals, rooting in the yard (they dig small, deep holes, rather like a lady in spiked heels walked across the lawn) for grubs and other true "pests".

By and large, they are timid creatures, and won't bother other animals - in fact, they stay far away from household pets that might be in the yard.

I was lucky enough to get close to one just a couple of weeks ago, about sunset, as it was coming out of the woods to begin feeding. She (for the majority of armadillos are female) didn't seem to mind that I was walking slowly toward her and speaking to her in a soft, sing-song voice. I knelt down about 3 or 4 feet away from her, and made eye contact. She ****** her head and looked at me quizzically, then returned to grubbing for food. I moved just a bit closer, and she turned about and "hopped" off into a ditch, pausing just once to glance back at me.

Long ago, I had the experience of holding a baby armadillo. They are simply adorable!!

Anyway, they don't get in the trash (although we do leave table scraps out in the yard for our "varmits", armadillos, possums and raccoons included), they don't get into the vegetable garden (they probably do us more favors by eating bugs & worms), they don't attack, and children certainly do not chase them...unless they want to catch one and make it a pet.

Sincerely,

An Armadillo-Loving Texan

Answer 2

Armadillos dig around in the dirt to eat grubs and insects, but aside from that they aren't much of a nuisance. They're pretty calm and non-aggressive, and I haven't heard of any knocking over garbage cans - sober ones anyway.

The North American ones can't roll up into a ball, while the South American ones can, so I 'm not sure about any kids tossing them around, but I suppose it might happen.

Answer 3

Anything that you dislike are considered pest to you
They are shy and cuddly cute creatures if you chance to meet one
We humans and dogs torment them
They don't attack, you are never their dinner
Have faith, go find one and see for yourself

Answer 4

If you can catch them, control what they eat for a while to purge the garbage from their systems, you can eat them.

In Georgia we call that Possum on a half shell

Answer 5

Back in Texas "Man I miss home" we had plenty at the dear lease . I would and I know this will upset alot of people ! Eat them they were tasty in the Bar-B-Q Damn I miss Texas.. Try one their good..Good luck

Answer 6

People I know who have them in their yards say that they root around and dig everything up. Yes, they are pests, but they are kinda cute.

Answer 7

JD is right. Give that person the points.

Answer 8

hehe. well, i've lived in Texas, where they have them, and i have to tell you that i never saw a single one except as roadkill. i think that is their main function ;-)

Answer 9

They are livestock in Arkansas.

Answer 10

if you hunt and live in the middle of nowhere they are actually entertaiment