The armadillo was adopted as the Texas small state mammal on June 16, 1995.Support for the longhorn and armadillo was equally divided so the state decided to create a designation for small state mammal and large state mammal.
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What is the state animal of Texas?
armadillo
The longhorn became the large mammal symbol of Texas in 1995. Other official mammal state symbols include the armadillo (designated in 1927) and the Mexican free-tailed bat (1995). Texas on the hoof.
Are armadillos the Texas animal?
In the United States the sole resident armadillo is the nine banded armadillo. Their range is as far east as South Carolina and Florida, and as far north as North Dakota, but is most common in the central southernmost states particularly Texas. The armadillo, in fact, is the state small mammal of Texas.
When did the armadillo become a state animal?
Adopted in June 16, 1995.
The armadillo, (Dasypus novemcinctus,) became the official small state mammal of Texas when Governor George W. Bush signed House Concurrent Resolution No. 178 on June 16, 1995. The same resolution named the longhorn the official large state mammal of the State of Texas.
Do Texans eat armadillos?
Eating armadillos is not widespread in Texas today, although it has been popular among south-of-the-border residents for more than a hundred years. Many Texans, especially during the depression years of the 1930s, dined on the “Hoover Hog,” referring to the armadillo as “poor man’s pork.”
What is the Texas state snake?
coral snake
State snake (the coral snake)? We have a state plant—the prickly pear cactus, deserved—and two state shrubs. The Texas purple sage is native, but the other, the crape myrtle, is not.
Where can you find armadillos in Texas?
Nowadays, armadillos sightings are common around Dallas, namely in Sam Houston Trails Park, at Trinity Trail north of Brockdale Park, at Greenbelt Trail, Denton, and also around Arlington. Moreover, they’ve spread further north beyond Texas. Texans adopted this unique animal as their mascot.
What states have armadillos?
In the United States
These armadillos can be found in the southeastern United States, including Texas (map), Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida. Recent reports suggest that the armadillo has moved northward as far as southern Indiana in the midwest.
What state is known for armadillos?
It is the state small mammal of Texas.
Nine-banded armadillo | |
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Genus: | Dasypus |
Species: | D. novemcinctus |
Binomial name | |
Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus, 1758 |
What kind of armadillos are in Texas?
nine-banded armadillo
The most commonly found species of armadillo in Texas is the North American nine-banded armadillo. While the other 20 species of this particular mammal are secluded to South and Central America, the nine-banded armadillo has migrated far beyond the Rio Grande and can now be found living as far east as Florida.
What does armadillo mean in Texas?
little armored one
The name, “armadillo,” translated from Spanish means, “little armored one.”
Is armadillo a mammal or reptile?
Are they a reptile or mammal? The armadillo’s armored appearance makes it look reptilian, but this almost hairless animal is a mammal. Armadillos sport fine tracts of hair, warm blood, give live birth, and feed their young milk.
The Spaniards named them armadillos – “the little armored ones.” It was a term of affection and all who have lived in this land called Texas ever since have been fond of them. To me, they are the small animal version of an armored-up Humvee.
Do armadillos bite?
They don’t usually bite or attack humans and pets but it’s always a possibility especially when armadillos feel threatened. Just because you won’t get bitten or scratched doesn’t mean it’s safe to have armadillos around.
Do Texas armadillos carry leprosy?
One in six armadillos found in Texas and Louisiana coastal marshes harbor leprosy. Leprosy infected armadillos shed M. leprae to their environment and even casual association with armadillos can expose a person to M. leprae.
Are armadillos blind?
Armadillos are not blind, but they do have poor eyesight. They rely on their ears and noses more than their eyes to detect food or predators.Nine-banded armadillos always give birth to four identical young — the only mammal known to do so.
What is Texas state gemstone?
Blue Topaz
Texas State Gem – Blue Topaz, Texas State Stone – Petrified Palmwood. The Texas Blue Topaz was adopted as the Texas state gem and Petrified Palmwood as the Texas state stone on March 26, 1969.
What is Texas state flying mammal?
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Mexican Free-tailed Bat.
Why is the Bluebonnet the state flower of Texas?
Why is the Texas State Flower the Bluebonnet? After a heated flower war in 1901, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America successfully convinced the Texas legislature to choose the bluebonnet, a name that paid homage to the many brave Texas pioneer women.
Do armadillos only live in Texas?
Texas is not the only place where you’ll find armadillos. These animals live in both North and South America.In South and Central America three-banded and six-banded armadillos may be found, but the armadillos of Texas are only the nine-banded variety.
Does Houston have armadillos?
You will not find Houston armadillos in areas with very long winters and that is way you will only find them in the southern half of the United States. They like to inhabit places which have cracks or crevices in them. Rocks are also very suitable for making burrows as well.