South Carolina is being invaded by Armadillos

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the increasing presence of armadillos in South Carolina, touching on their behavior, reproduction, and ecological implications. Participants share personal observations and anecdotes, while also referencing cultural perceptions and interactions with other wildlife.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note personal sightings of armadillos, indicating a growing population in South Carolina.
  • There are humorous remarks about armadillos leaving Texas, suggesting a cultural narrative around their migration.
  • One participant mentions that armadillos give birth to identical quadruplets, citing information from someone with academic experience.
  • Another participant claims that armadillos are a natural predator of fire ants, linking their presence to the local ecosystem.
  • Concerns are raised about coyotes potentially preying on armadillos, with a participant noting they have not seen coyotes in their area.
  • There are playful references to the use of armadillos in racing, highlighting cultural perceptions of the animal.
  • One participant humorously mentions the potential danger of armadillo tails, claiming they have poisonous barbs, although this is presented with skepticism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various observations and anecdotes about armadillos, but there is no consensus on their ecological role or the accuracy of certain claims regarding their reproduction and behavior.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes speculative claims about armadillo behavior and interactions with other species.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in local wildlife, ecological interactions, and cultural narratives surrounding animals may find this discussion engaging.

jtbell
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TL;DR
...by armadillos.
I saw my first live armadillo this morning, a few blocks from my house.

armadillo.jpg


A few weeks ago, I saw a dead one next to one of our main streets.

Armadillos are Increasing Their Presence in South Carolina (SC Public Radio)
 
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Someone must have run them all out of Texas!
 
Or they got tired of being run over. "In Texas, there ain't nothing in the middle of the road but yellow stripes and dead armadillos."
 
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Looks like that guy decided he likes it here. Today I saw his family.

armadillos.jpg
 
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Just stay away from the tails and you should be okay. They have poisonous barbs on them. I read that somewhere... :oldeyes:
 
jtbell said:
I saw his family.
They give birth to identical quadruplets. Or so I was told by someone who studied them in grad school/
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
They give birth to identical quadruplets. Or so I was told by someone who studied them in grad school/
True. Its used to get identical octoples (twins times 4) for certain studies
 
Armadillos are a sign that fire ants are in your region because they are the only known natural predator for that invasive ant species.
 
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  • #10
We definitely have fire ants around here, although fortunately we don't have any in our lawn right now.
 
  • #11
I hear the nutty Texans use them for racing. It's at least a little bit surprising, as it sounds more like something the Florida Man would do.
 
  • #12
Do you have many coyotes where you are? They seem to have figured out how to eat Armadillos.

Of course their biggest thread is the skylark.
The Buick Skylark.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
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  • #14
Don't you only hear them in the distance?......
 

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