Coming into contact with armadillo feces and urine is more likely to cause a serious infection than being bitten. Armadillo Feces and UrineĪlthough armadillos can spread harmful diseases to people by biting them, the biggest danger from armadillos actually comes from their excrement. Although you may get lucky and only receive a flesh wound, it’s still best to seek immediate medical attention. If an armadillo bites you, the first thing you should do is wash the wound and apply first aid care, such as alcohol or another disinfectant, and then bandage the wound with gauze and head to your nearest medical provider.Īs mentioned, armadillos can transmit a number of very serious diseases. So, if you ever need to handle an armadillo, make sure that you wear proper protective gear, such as long sleeves and thick gloves. I’ve been lucky because I’ve been bitten a few times and never contracted any disease but many people are not so fortunate. Just about any wild animal can carry and transmit rabies, and armadillos are no exception. In fact, they are the only known creature that can transmit leprosy directly to humans through contact. Are Armadillos Rabid?Īrmadillos can spread a number of diseases. These days, I always wear thick leather gloves when handling an armadillo. I have trapped my fair share of armadillos and been bitten more than once. I learned the hard way that they definitely can bite and won’t hesitate to do so when they feel trapped. I used to think they couldn’t bite since their teeth are so small and they only eat soft food like worms. Take it from me… you don’t want to be on the receiving end of an armadillo’s claws! Do Armadillos Bite?Ĭontrary to popular belief, armadillos can absolutely bite you. However, when they feel trapped or threatened, they can become aggressive and their teeth, although very small, can absolutely penetrate your skin.Īrmadillos also have razor-sharp claws, which are their primary weapon. They only eat worms and small insects, so there is zero chance of one attacking out of hunger. Are Armadillos Aggressive Toward Humans?Īrmadillos are passive creatures and, unless cornered, are very unlikely to show any aggression towards humans.

This is often very dangerous because armadillos are known carriers of transmissible diseases. That said, when cornered and afraid, armadillos can attack with their teeth and claws.

In most cases, when faced with a predator, armadillos simply freeze up and remain motionless, relying on their armored plates for protection. Generally, armadillos are not very dangerous, and they don’t pose much of a risk to humans.

Are armadillos nocturnal