Chicago has its fair share of whacky wildlife, from an infamously large rat population to packs of roaming coyotes. But the Windy City may be harboring a new resident critter—the desert dwelling nine-banded armadillo.
The great armadillo migration
Researchers from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are currently investigating whether the shelled mammals are migrating to the Chicago region.
While the animals are typically associated with the American Southwest, armadillos are also common in portions of far southern Illinois, according to the IDNR.
Now, researchers believe the critters may be expanding north of Sangamon county, home to the state capital of Springfield, thanks to environmental and infrastructural changes.
In short, the implementation of bridges throughout rural Illinois, coupled with milder winters, means Chicagoland may soon play host to an armadillo invasion!
Spot an armadillo? Submit a report
The IDNR is asking for the public’s help in identifying the armored animals.…