Brett Reece, State Game Warden.

An armadillo was found dead on HWY 63 north of Traer on Sept. 15 of this year. Wait, armadillos in Iowa? Yes, you may get a glimpse of one of these unique critters in our state from time to time. This particular animal either fell from a vehicle or was hit while trying to cross the road.

You may think first of Texas when you hear “armadillo,” but the nine-banded armadillo is just one of 20 armadillo species worldwide. The nine-banded armadillo ranges from Argentina and Uruguay to the United States. They’ve been expanding northward from Texas and Mexico for more than 100 years. States to the south and west of Iowa have seen an increase in observations of armadillos. Their observations in Iowa are believed to be a result of natural dispersal.

Sure, they have those handy armored plates to help protect them, but armadillos can also jump 3 to 4 feet straight up in the air to avoid or scare predators. However, this trait often leads to their demise on roadsides, where they jump to avoid the predator (vehicle), but end up crashing into the underside of the vehicle instead.

Loosely translated, “armadillo” means “little armored one” in Spanish, and it’s fitting for their young. Armadillos always give birth to identical quadruplets!

Their armor may steal the show, but these little mammals have impressive claws, which they use to burrow underground. But they don’t just stick to land – armadillos can walk underwater and hold their breath for up to six minutes!

Insects are the cuisine of choice for the mostly nocturnal, semi-toothless armadillo. These small critters, which average about 12 pounds and 30 inches, have poor sight but an outstanding sense of smell.

While armadillos may make their way into Iowa now and then, they’re not likely to survive our cold and harsh winters.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been tracking armadillo sightings in Iowa for the past 5 years and 177 reports have been received. In the past 3 years there have been 2 reports of armadillos in Tama County including the one found north of Traer on Sept. 15.

The DNR will relax fishing regulations at Casey Lake in Hickory Hills Park starting October 4 to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish before the lake is renovated. Casey Lake is north of Dysart in northern Tama County.

The goal of the lake restoration project is to improve water quality and increase long-term sustainability of quality recreational opportunities at Casey Lake. Planned improvements include rehabilitating and building sediment basins, dredging in-lake sediment deposits, stabilizing the bank, improving shore access, and installing fishing habitat.

Anglers with a valid sport fishing license may harvest all sizes and unlimited quantities of any species of gamefish at Casey Lake, as well as common carp, grass carp, and sucker species. Any number of fishing rods and jugs is allowed. Dip nets will also be allowed as legal gear for taking all fish species. Bowfishing, spearing, and snagging can be used as legal gear for carp, grass carp, and sucker species. Anglers must remain in sight of any fishing rods and jugs at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules.

Relaxed fishing regulations for Casey Lake will be in effect from October 4 to December 1, 2023. Specific regulation changes include: Removal of bag and length limit restrictions on largemouth bass. Removal of bag limit on channel catfish. Removal of bag limit on crappie and bluegill. Removal of limit for number of jugs. Allow the use of dip nets as a legal form of fishing.

The only legal methods of take for bass, bluegill, bullhead, catfish, crappie, and sunfish are by dip nets, fishing rod and jugs. The only legal methods of take for carp, grass carp, and suckers are by fishing rod, jugs, dip nets, bowfishing, spearing, and snagging. Dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices, or any stupefying substances are not allowed. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters.

Brett Reece is the State Game Warden for Tama & W. Benton counties.