What Does a Baby Armadillo Look Like?
Armadillos are remarkable mammals with unique, all-over body armor consisting of boney plates. Due in part to this natural protection, the animals can survive up to 20 years in the wild. Baby armadillos are born already covered in these plates, but they are much softer and more pliable. This often renders the young highly vulnerable to predators.
What are Baby Armadillos Called?
Baby armadillos are called pups. Nine-banded armadillos, the only species found in the United States, almost always give birth to four identical quadruplets that develop from the same egg.
Mothers dig burrows to raise their young, with locations chosen carefully to keep the pups well protected. A baby armadillo will nurse for about two months and remain with their mother for a few months after that.
Property Damage & Diseases
Just like adults, baby armadillos will use their shovel-like snouts and sharp claws to dig, which is aggravating to property owners. However, the greater risk comes in the form of leprosy, a devastating disease the pests can carry. Armadillos are the only mammals other than humans that contract leprosy. While the animals rarely experience any symptoms, leprosy in humans can lead to paralysis, disfigurement, and blindness if left untreated.
Safe Armadillo Removal
Biologists believe baby armadillos are born with leprosy, so coming into contact with the young pups is just as dangerous as handling or otherwise coming into contact with adult armadillos. Although transmission between species is difficult, correlations have been documented between increased presence of armadillos and higher instances of human leprosy. This is why it is important to call Critter Control for professional removal if baby armadillos are seen near the home.
Learn more about professional armadillo removal.