Unexpected Armadillo Invasion Poses New Challenges for Iowa

Iowa is experiencing a strange invasion...

No, it's not an actual extra-terrestrial, but it's something that sure does look like something from another world, the armadillo.

When you think animals in Iowa, you are not even imagining an armadillo.

You're probably picturing a cow or even a pig.

However, experts are predicting that we might be seeing more armadillos moving out to the Hawkeye State in the next few years.

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Armadillos in Iowa?

According to reports, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has recorded between 12 to 24 armadillos every year since 2018.

These sightings have been reported in Keota and Marshall County.

Normally, these creatures are native to South America and the southern parts of the United States.

Fortunately, they don't pose much of a threat. The only potential issue for landowners is their tendency to dig burrows.

So Why Are Armadillos Coming to Iowa?

Experts are saying that it's the changing climate that is bringing in armadillos to the Hawkeye State.

“As climate change takes impact, we see that some of our Northern boundaries are pushed, or the warmer climates are pushed further north, then armadillos will be able to utilize that territory as well," explained Jim Coffey an Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist.

If you do end up seeing an armadillo in Iowa, make sure to leave it alone.

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