LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When you think of Kentucky’s wildlife, deer, opossums or even black bears might come to mind. But over the last few decades, another creature has made its mark on the bluegrass state — armadillos.
According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, common sightings of armadillos in western Kentucky did not start until the early 2000s. In the previous two decades, the mammals that are mostly found in states like Texas were only occasionally spotted in Kentucky. In recent years, armadillos killed by cars have been discovered as far east as Pike County.
Earlier this year, Bernheim Forest reported the discovery of an armadillo, after years of possible sightings. It is the 51st mammal found in the forest.
Wildlife experts like Brigette Brouillard, director of Second Chances Wildlife Center, say we should expect to see more of the armored creatures moving forward.
“We’re going to see more and more armadillos in Kentucky, and we’re just going to have to get used to them here,” Brouillard said. “They’re cute little characters to watch. We really don’t have more of a right than the animals to be here. And we just have to learn how to share space.”
She adds this is your best practice if you encounter an armadillo.
“If they’re just roaming around in their yard digging for bugs, they love to eat ants and all sorts of little crawlies under the ground. Just leave them be,” Brouillard said.
Brouillard has run her wildlife center for the last 13 years, and cares for several mammals commonly found in Kentucky. Currently, she says she’s near capacity, which is around 100 animals and is caring for litters of baby squirrels and opossums.
Her group of animals which call the facility home now includes a nine-banded armadillo named Allen, who came to the rehab after being hurt by a dog earlier this year.
As more Allen’s pop up in Kentucky, Brouillard expects run-ins with humans to rise too. That’s why the center focuses heavily on wildlife education.
“Hopefully, I can prevent some animals from needing to come into a rehab setting,” Brouillard said.
It’s a lifelong mission that means more people treat their environment better than we do now.