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Model_94 writes:

"Why is the armadillo moving north again?

The nine-banded armadillo’s remarkable invasion of the United States appears to be due to a combination of factors. Large rivers, hunting by humans, and unsuitable habitat probably contributed to the scarcity of armadillos in the US prior to 1850:

Major obstacles to armadillo expansion in the United States prior to 1850

1)Rivers: Although armadillos are good swimmers, the Rio Grande is a formidable barrier. Large rivers such as the Mississippi continue to deter or delay expansion in some areas of the US. It is likely that very few animals will attempt to cross such large rivers.

2)Hunting and Predation: In many parts of South and Central America, armadillos are a valuable food source. Overhunting has threatened many species. The hunting practices of native peoples of northern Mexico and southern Texas probably limited the number of armadillos in the area. Large predators such as wolves and panthers also likely contributed to limit distribution.

3)Lack of Suitable Habitat: Nine-banded armadillos live in a variety of habitats, but prefer brushy or forested areas which provide lots of cover. Due to yearly burnoffs (both natural fires and those started by humans) Texas was largely covered by prarie grasses."


Funny, I didn't read anything about "warming".

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