My kids think I have totally lost my mind - but I am very excited: Driving home, I finally saw a LIVE armadillo crossing the street! (Hwy A in Phillipburg MO)
It was almost dark and I didn't realize how quickly an armadillo can move, so I wasn't able to grab the camera. I would have loved to preserve this "Missouri First."
Armadillos are relatively new to Missouri. making their way up to Missouri from Texas in the mid 1970's. I've lived here since January 2000 and until now, had only seen DEAD armadillos. The locals refer to to them as "Southern Speed Bumps."
They say armadillos can tear up a yard and do great damage. Just in case you can't run your problem armadillo over with your car, if you trap or shoot an armadillo, Missouri's Wildlife Code requires you to report the action to your state conservation agent within 24 hours.
To learn more about getting rid of an armadillo in Missouri, you can read a guide created by the University of Missouri Extension: "Armadillos in Missouri: Techniques to Prevent and Control Damage"
I like the description of a "Southern Speed Bump." I also have never seen a live one!
Goodness, Debbie, I have never seen one dead or alive! It's very BIG---and scary looking (to me). I'm glad you posted this, I probably never would have seen one at all!
Love how you turn a speed bump into a public service announcement! For the longest time I thought they were designed for road-kill. We have more than our share. The farm dogs love to drag them home. Didn't know about the notify the state part. thanks cw
Barbara - I guess I am now in a minority group! I've seen a live armadillo! It's the little things, isn't it?
Carole - You're right, they really are very scary looking. Their teeth are enough to give me the willies!
Cheryl - Road kill is probably the best for these destructive creatures! I haven't seen the dogs have one now that you mention it. Rather surprising.
Debbie: I had never seen one until I moved to the SOUTH....I also never heard of the Southern Speed Bump phrase, I could not stop laughing...it is so true. I see at least one a day on the road..dead of course...Now I am going to think of you and the Southern Speed Bump when I see one. If you catch one and report it what happens next, do they come and get it?
Good question Michelle! I didn't think to ask. I happened to call our local conservation agent about something else and we ended up talking armadillos. (who else would do that?) He mentioned you must notify him. We kept talking and I didn't think to ask! I'll have to find out now!
I wonder if you only have to report it in your state? I wonder why it has to be reported? Interesting.
Oh my! The things we do in pursuit of real estate!
"So what did you do at work today, honey?"
"Well, dear, I stopped the car and took a picture of roadkill for educational purposes."
"Oh."
They are ugly critters, aren't they? One cruised across our place last summer, but luckily had some agenda other than staying around to eat up the garden & dig up the yard. That was the only one I've ever seen this side of the afterlife, either.
Enjoyed your post!
Michelle - I really don't know. I'll have to ask Walt, our conservation Dude, why we report.
Judith - Oh, girlfriend you had me laughing! The things we in pursuit of a blog post!