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Abstract
Despite undergoing a rapid range expansion throughout the southeastern United States during the last 150 years, reliable data on nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) space use patterns are lacking. In addition, although nuisance armadillos are often live-captured and translocated, no studies have compared movements between resident and translocated animals. Therefore, from June 2005 to June 2006 I used radiotelemetry to (1) investigate the home range and habitat use of resident armadillos, and (2) compare movements between resident and translocated individuals in order to evaluate the appropriateness of translocation. Armadillo home ranges differed seasonally, with the largest home ranges occurring during the summer. Armadillos avoided mature pine and agriculture habitats, so active conservation and restoration of longleaf pine forests may result in future decreases in armadillo populations. Release site fidelity of translocated animals was low suggesting that translocation of nuisance armadillos should be minimized.