Nine-banded armadillos have spread rapidly throughout the Southeast during the last two decades and are common on Spring Island. Most scientists think that these armadillos are descendants of those that were introduced from Texas into Florida.

Armadillos have armored shells and long, plated tails and are about the size of a possum (8-17 lb). They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, earthworms and occasionally small vertebrates. Armadillos have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and locate their food by digging through leaf litter. Their voracious appetite for grubs, fire ants and other insects make them a beneficial pest-eating species. Unfortunately, they also tear up the ground as they search for their favorite foods and damage lawns and gardens.

Armadillos dig underground burrows up to 15′ in length. These burrows are often located in the banks of ditches, under stumps or near brush piles. They also can be found under the foundations of homes. Individuals may have multiple burrows in the same vicinity. In the spring the young are born inside the burrows. The litter consists of four genetically identical offspring of the same sex (quadruplets).

Armadillo traps can be baited with over-ripe fruit or earthworms. However, armadillos will walk directly into a trap if it is placed near the burrow or along the side of a building. The use of low guide fences designed to direct armadillos into the traps can be especially effective.