Are armadillos nocturnal2/18/2023 The best way to avoid contracting the leprosy bacteria from an armadillo is to keep your distance. The exact amount is not known, but only a very small number of the leprosy cases in the United States are from armadillos.There are only 150-250 cases of leprosy in the United States every year, but most of those are from individuals traveling outside the country.Leprosy is highly treatable with standard antibiotics.More than 95% of all people have natural immunity to the disease.So before you start to worry, consider these facts: Even then, the risk for transmission is very low. Leprosy, which is also known as Hansen’s Disease, cannot be passed on just by being near an armadillo, there must be physical contact with the body fluids of an armadillo. While this may sound alarming, actual cases of leprosy transmitted from armadillos are extremely rare. The most interesting fact about these creatures might surprise you: armadillos are one of relatively few species with a low enough body temperature to host the leprosy bacteria. As with any wild animal, armadillos can transmit rabies, although this is very rare. AN INTERESTING FACTĪlthough the armadillo is not aggressive, it is a wild animal that can potentially spread disease to humans if handled or eaten. Because of the threat of extensive damage, homeowners want to remove armadillos from their property, and this is when most contact between people and armadillos can occur. With less dirt underneath, cracks or even collapse of the structure can occur. They can be a big nuisance for homeowners because of their natural tendency to dig deep tunnels, which can be located under existing structures, such as sidewalks, AC units, fuel tanks or the foundation of the home. ALL ABOUT ARMADILLOSĪrmadillos are nocturnal and non-aggressive animals, sleeping during the day deep inside their burrows, and appearing at night to dig and forage for food. Reasons for their habitat expansion are unclear, but some point to milder winters which suits this cold intolerant species well. Armadillos have expanded beyond their typical southern habitat and are now seen in southern Missouri, with some sightings as far north as the Missouri-Iowa border. If you are traveling on Missouri highways this summer, you may pass by some unusual “road-kill”. This jump aligns an armadillo perfectly with the grill of small or midsized cars.
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