How did armadillos get into North America?

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Once upon a time, North and South America weren’t so close together and a bond was created between the two around three million years ago when a volcanic area, the Isthmus of Panama, grew from the water and bridged the gap. It was during this time that various plants and animals switched over (migrated) between the two areas, and the humble armadillo was said to have moved its way into North America. The ancestors of the animal are known to have come from South America, but the nine-banded armadillo, one of the most popular you’ll see today, is now one the most wide-spread species. It’s definitely one that becomes a cause for concern for many homeowners. Now the state animal of Texas, the armadillo is known to jump quite high in the air when it is frightened - around three or feet - causing quite the problem on American roads, even going as far as to cause road traffic accidents. They can also prove to be quite the nuisance in your back yard too, expert diggers with sharp claws that make light work of your nice lawn.

Dear Cricket-Frog,
We have had an intermittent armadillo problem for a couple of years not. Previously, ensuring our lawn was treated to eliminate their food source and using mothballs under my husband's workshop seemed to make our property less attractive to them. We also have two dogs - boxers - that know the minute they enter our property that may have helped. We have had a vacant house behind us for several years, and it's yard has run rampant with critters. Now that it's gone up for sale, there's movement on the vacant property as they fix it up. Armadillos are burrowing under my husband's workshop again and our usual treatments aren't working. Our armadillos aren't nocturnal -they are active all day! We fixed the damage they did to the paver deck outside his workshop this morning, and when we looked again a few hours ago it had been dug completely out again. If you have a few minutes to discuss whether or not you feel you can help us, please call.

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