CHARLOTTE — Armadillos have caught the eyes of researchers here in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is asking for your help in tracking the spread of the nine-banded armadillos across the state.
All you have to do is be observant and willing to share what you see, according to the wildlife commission.
[ ALSO READ: Chronic wasting disease in deer concerns NC wildlife officials ]
Biologists are hoping the public will share photos, locations and details of armadillo sightings with them to track the whereabouts of the four-legged mammals as they expand their home throughout North Carolina.
Colleen Olfenbuttel, a biologist with the commission, said 28 counties, from Cherokee County in the west to Dare County in the east, have confirmed armadillo sightings.
“This makes it likely the armadillo is expanding its range naturally throughout North Carolina, rather than being helped by human intervention,” Olfenbuttel said.
Armadillos are native to Central and South America, but have gradually expanded to the southeastern United States.
The NC Wildlife Commission received its first sighting in 2007 and has received nearly 900 reports across 70 counties in the years since.
[ READ MORE: NC wildlife tech hailed as ‘superhero’ for rescuing bear cub stuck in tree ]
The move to North Carolina comes as the state experiences fewer stretches of cold weather. The armadillo lacks insulation and must dig for food, making it fit for the state’s mild conditions.
“Whether armadillos continue spreading beyond their current range will be largely determined by climate,” Olfenbuttel said.
If you see an armadillo and want to help researchers out, you can share information through the iNaturalist app or by emailing armadillo@ncwildlife.org.
Biologists ask that you share a photo, the date and time the animal was seen and where it observed with GPS coordinates or a detailed description.
More information on armadillos in North Carolina can be found here.
(WATCH BELOW: Armadillo missing from California zoo)
This browser does not support the video element.