8-09-2025 11:18pm

Possum On The Half Shell

Beth Callahan Editor

Nature Close to Home and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Dave Woehr shares monthly naturalist stories.

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- More than fifteen years ago during my OCVN training it was discussed that armadillos were slowly expanding their range northward from the deep south and southern planes. At that time it was said that they had reached Oklahoma. Well, just yesterday I came across a post on a Facebook page I follow that stated that they are now well established in the southwest half of Indiana, and they continue to move northeastward toward Ohio.

They’ve been confirmed in Indianapolis and have established colonies within a county or two of Indiana’s border with Ohio. There have been only a handful of armadillo sightings in Ohio including roadkills, but no reports of established colonies YET.

The armadillo is a mammal roughly the size and shape of an opossum but covered from head to toe with a flexible leathery plate of armor. The animal can roll itself into a ball inside the armor in an attempt to protect itself from a coyote, bobcat, fox, or other predator. Armadillos are burrowing animals that can dig their own dens. They are omnivores, but prefer insects to other food types.

From my Google search: "Possum on the half shell" is a colloquial term for armadillo meat. It refers to the practice of eating armadillo, which is said to have a taste similar to pork. The term is used humorously or satirically, highlighting the unusual nature of eating armadillo. In many areas of Central and South America, armadillo meat is often used as part of an average diet. Armadillo meat is a traditional ingredient in Oaxaca, Mexico.

In my OCVN training class, we discussed how perceptive wildlife is regarding changes in their habitat. And they adapt to those changes as necessary to benefit their lifestyles. Habitat changes can include deforestation, new farming techniques, altered weather patterns, expanding urbanization, etc.

Adapting to change often involves moving or migrating to another location. A familiar example is the coyote, which was not native to Ohio in bygone times, but has solidly established itself statewide and beyond over the years. It may not be long before the armadillo is considered to be a newly established Ohio wildlife species. If you see one the Ohio Department of Wildlife would appreciate hearing from you. And of course, provide them with a photo if you can.

Reference: https://fox59.com/news/study-armadillos-are-expanding-across-indiana/