RALEIGH (AP) — If you’ve seen a nine-banded armadillo lately, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission would like a word with you.
The commission is asking the public to help document observations of nine-banded armadillos as they expand their range in the state.
Nine-banded armadillos are about the size of a house cat or opossum and it has a gray to brownish-gray body with narrow, jointed armor bands on its midsection. They feed primarily on invertebrates, including insects, snails and earthworms.
The first confirmed armadillo sighting in North Carolina occurred in 2008. The commission allows armadillos to be hunted year-round with no bag limit. Armadillos can be trapped during the regulated trapping season.
The public may report observations of armadillos by contacting Extension Wildlife Biologist Ann May at 919-707-0068.