Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are common in central and southern Georgia and are moving northward. Only one species of armadillo lives in Georgia and the southeastern United States.

Georgia law prohibits keeping armadillos in captivity. Because they are not protected in Georgia, they can be hunted or trapped throughout the year.

Armadillos have few natural predators. Many are killed while trying to cross roads or highways or when feeding along roadsides.

Long claws make them proficient diggers. Armadillos rely on a good sense of smell to locate food but have poor eyesight. Digging, is often considered a nuisance, although consumption of ants, including fire ants, and white grubs may be beneficial in other ways.

About two million years ago, a relative of the armadillo as large as a rhinoceros lived in South America.