STATEWIDE–Indiana now has breeding populations of armadillos.

The U.S. Geological Survey says armadillos are colonizing in southeastern parts of the Hoosier state. It says Indiana is one of 17 states where armadillos are “established.” Experts referred to this as “established” to reflect that the armadillo populations are frequently observed or “regularly occur” in a specific area.

The armadillos in Indiana are nine-banded armadillos. They are identified that way because of the number of thin strips in the middle of their armored shell. Those bands make the armor more flexible, which lets armadillos roll into a ball when they are threatened.

“The first confirmed armadillo record in Indiana was in 2003 in the southwestern corner of the state (Gibson County). Over the next 10 years (2003–

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