(WXIN/WTTV) — The Hoosier state is beginning to see more armadillos as their breeding populations continue to spread.
According to a study that was recently conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, armadillo populations in Indiana are now breeding in several different portions of the state. Experts referred to this as “established,” meaning the armadillo populations are frequently observed or “regularly occur” in the outlined geographic area.
The very first armadillo sighting in Indiana was recorded in 2003 in Gibson County. Over the next decade, a total of 11 armadillo detections were recorded in southwestern Indiana across nine different counties. The study said it is likely that the first armadillos arrived in Indiana from southeastern Illinois. Other sightings have been as far north as Porter County near the Michigan border.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said it has received over 74 reports of sighted armadillos. The frequency of reports has increased within the past five years, the DNR said, as nearly 80% of armadillo reports have been filed between 2017 and 2021…