Armadillos are on the move in Johnson County as the population grows throughout the state, bringing curiosity — and possibly a few torn-up lawns.

The nine-banded armadillos, the only armadillo species found in the United States, were first observed in Indiana in 2003. Two reported sightings of armadillos in Johnson County include off State Road 252 on the north end of town limits and near Young’s Creek off U.S. 31.

According to a recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), armadillos are colonizing much of southeastern Indiana and are spreading north and west. With climate change and the unpredictable Indiana weather, the state is now a suitable home for these hard-shell creatures.

Between 2003 and 2018, there weren’t many reports on the species in the area, said Brad Westrich, s

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