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(The leprosy bacterium is difficult to culture and armadillos have a body temperature of 34 °C (93 °F), similar to human skin.) [26] Humans can acquire a leprosy infection from armadillos by handling them or consuming armadillo meat. [27] [28] Armadillos are a presumed vector and natural reservoir for the disease in Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
This distinctive shell offers protection from predators. There are 21 known species of armadillos Armadillos are identified by the number of armored bands covering the back, head, legs and tail.
Nine-banded armadillos generally weigh from 2.5–6.5 kg (5.5–14.3 lb), though the largest specimens can scale up to 10 kg (22 lb). They are one of the largest species of armadillos. [8] Head and body length is 38–58 cm (15–23 in), which combines with the 26–53 cm (10–21 in) tail, for a total length of 64–107 cm (25–42 in).
According to the University of Florida, when looking for food, armadillos dig numerous holes in golf courses, lawns, flowerbeds, and gardens. The holes range in size from 1–3 inches deep and 3 ...
Wild animals native to other parts of the U.S. have also been established, including nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi). [55] Florida has enacted laws to prohibit the release of exotic animals into the wild.
Frank Cerabino's column offers advice to avoid eating armadillos as a way to blunt the spread of leprosy in Florida
Dasypus is the only extant genus in the family Dasypodidae.Its species are known as long-nosed or naked-tailed armadillos.They are found in South, Central, and North America, [4] as well as on the Caribbean islands of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago. [5]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is telling Floridians to avoid armadillos after a rise in leprosy cases. According to local outlets, nine cases have been reported so far this year.