Armadillo Poop: Understanding and Identification

When considering the less-than-glamorous world of animal droppings, armadillo poop stands out as a surprisingly insightful topic. While you may only know armadillos for their unique, armored shells and knack for digging up lawns, their feces, or scat, can offer a wealth of information about their diet, behavior, and even potential health risks. Understanding what to look for and how to handle it safely is key for homeowners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Understanding Armadillo Biology and Diet

Armadillos are fascinating creatures native to the Americas, known for their powerful digging claws and a nocturnal, insectivorous diet. They are considered omnivores, but their primary food source consists of insects like ants and termites. This is evident in their specialized digestive system, which is well-suited for breaking down tough insect exoskeletons.

Their digestive tract includes a unique, two-chambered stomach. The first chamber holds food temporarily, while the second acts as a fermentation chamber, housing bacteria that break down hard materials like chitin—the primary component of insect exoskeletons. This efficient system allows them to extract maximum nutrients from their insect-heavy diet.

Due to their elusive, nocturnal nature, armadillo scat is a valuable tool for researchers. By studying what an armadillo leaves behind, we can learn about its foraging habits, diet, and even its migration patterns. This isn't just about curiosity; it's about understanding their role in the ecosystem.

Identifying Armadillo Poop

Identifying armadillo poop is straightforward once you know what to look for. Its visual characteristics are quite distinct from those of other common yard animals like rabbits or deer.

Key Visual Characteristics

• Shape and Size: Armadillo poop is typically cylindrical with tapered ends, resembling a small pellet. It's usually about 1 to 2 inches long and half an inch to an inch in diameter.
• Color and Texture: The color varies depending on their diet but is most often a dark brown or black. It can have a slightly shiny, segmented appearance. The texture is generally firm and dry, but it can be softer if the animal has recently consumed a lot of soft foods or insects.
• Contents: A key identifier is the presence of undigested insect parts, such as exoskeletons or wings. These are a clear sign that the scat belongs to an insectivore like an armadillo.
• Location: Armadillos are creatures of habit. They often defecate in the same area repeatedly, creating small, scattered piles near their burrows or along well-worn foraging paths. If you find one pile, there's a good chance you'll find more nearby.

Armadillos are particularly common in the southern United States and Latin America, where they prefer habitats with loose, sandy soil that makes digging easy. Knowing where they live can also help confirm the identity of the scat.

Health and Safety Concerns with Armadillo Poop

While it's important to identify armadillo scat for educational purposes or to address a pest problem, it's even more critical to handle it with extreme caution. Armadillos can carry a number of diseases and parasites that can pose risks to both humans and pets.

Potential Health Risks

• Leprosy (Hansen's Disease): Armadillos are one of the only animals besides humans known to naturally carry the bacteria that causes leprosy. Although the risk of contracting leprosy from armadillo poop is low, it's still a serious concern, especially if the scat is dry and its dust is inhaled.
• Bacterial Infections: Armadillo droppings can also contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Parasites: Parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms may be present in the feces. If a pet or a person accidentally ingests them, it can lead to an infection.

Safe Handling and Cleanup

To minimize these risks, always take proper safety precautions when cleaning up armadillo poop from your yard.

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear disposable gloves and a face mask to avoid direct contact and inhalation of dust particles.
• Proper Tools: Use a shovel, rake, or another tool to collect the droppings. Never use your bare hands.
• Secure Disposal: Place the droppings in a sealed, heavy-duty plastic bag or container before disposing of them in the trash.
• Hygiene is Key: After cleanup, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, even if you were wearing gloves.

If you or your pet comes into contact with armadillo scat and develops symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or a rash, it's best to seek medical attention promptly and inform your doctor or veterinarian of the potential exposure.

Coexistence and Practical Tips for Homeowners

Armadillos are a natural part of their ecosystems, and their digging can aerate soil and help control insect populations. However, their burrowing and foraging habits can be a nuisance for homeowners, damaging gardens, lawns, and even the foundations of buildings.

Preventing Armadillo Intrusion

• Secure Your Property: Installing a sturdy fence that extends several inches below the ground can prevent armadillos from digging their way in.
• Eliminate Attractants: Store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers. Avoid leaving food scraps outside.
• Address Hiding Spots: Remove piles of brush, debris, or firewood from your yard, as these can provide attractive hiding spots and burrowing areas.

If you have a persistent armadillo problem, it may be best to contact a professional wildlife removal service like Critter Stop. Our experts are continually trained on the latest industry standards and advanced pest removal techniques. We specializes in humane armadillo removal and control. Whether you’ve got a single clawed visitor or a hose party of bold diggers, they’ve seen it—and solved it—before.

Call Critter Stop at (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is armadillo poop a sign of a bigger problem? 

Yes. The presence of armadillo scat, especially in consistent piles, can indicate that the animals are living or regularly foraging on your property. This can lead to burrowing issues and property damage.

Can my pet get sick from armadillo poop? 

Yes, pets can be exposed to diseases and parasites by coming into contact with armadillo droppings. It's crucial to keep pets away from areas where scat is found.

What's the difference between armadillo scat and other animal droppings?

 While scat can look similar, armadillo droppings are unique due to their cylindrical, pellet-like shape and the occasional presence of undigested insect parts. Rabbit and deer droppings are typically more spherical or clumped, and dog scat is generally much larger and less uniform.

By understanding these facts about armadillo poop, you can not only appreciate these unique creatures but also take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property.