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The 2025 issue of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s magazine, The Helm, is now available. This annual publication is a collection of program research, outreach and education success stories, as well as ongoing activities to address coastal concerns. This issue covers this year’s Shipboard Science Immersion that took place on Lake Michigan, our long-standing team engaged in AIS prevention outreach, our new specialists diving into coastal resilience issues, and past and present program leadership.

Highlights from the newsletter include:

• Educators engage with Great Lakes scientists aboard the Lake Guardian
  Teachers joined researchers on Lake Michigan aboard the R/V Lake Guardian, collecting samples, learning new field techniques, and bringing Great Lakes science back to their students.
• Scientists and educators investigate Lake Michigan biological hotspots
  Every year when a group of Great Lakes educators spend 6–7 days aboard the Lake Guardian as part of the Shipboard Science Immersion, they work side-by-side with scientists engaging in real monitoring work.
• IISG looks back on 30 years of AIS outreach
  Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is in the midst of its 30th year of dedicated outreach to address the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Great Lakes waters.
• Coastal communities face challenges in managing beach sand and structures
  Beginning in 2025, IISD has not one, but two coastal resilience specialists who are providing support for communities along the southern Lake Michigan shore.
• Shaping the Shoreline: Video Series
  Explore how natural and engineered structures shape our Great Lakes coastlines.
• Stuart Carlton is the new IISG director
  Stuart Carlton, longtime Sea Grant communicator and leader, steps into the director role—continuing IISG’s mission of connecting research, education, and outreach.
• Tomas Höök reflects on his Sea Grant legacy
  After more than a decade as director, Tomas Höök looks back on milestones that shaped IISG’s growth and lasting partnerships.

To view the full newsletter visit: The Helm.

More Resources:
Prescription For Safety: How to Dispose of Unwanted Household Medicine, IISG Publications
A Guide to Marketing for Small-Scale Aquaculture Producers, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Marine Shrimp Biofloc Systems: Basic Management Practices, The Education Store
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
The Benefits of Seafood Consumption The Education Store
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store
Fish Muscle Hydrolysate, The Education Store
Fish Cleaning with Purdue Extension County Extension Director, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Aquatics & Fisheries, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub
Conservation Through Community Leadership, Sustainable Communities Extension Program (SCEP)
Climate Change and Sustainable Development, The Education Store
Climate Change: Are you preparing for it?, The Education Store

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Discover the impact of non-native legumes like crownvetch, sweetclover, and birdsfoot trefoil on grasslands and conservation plantings. This guide provides control options for these non-native legumes. Essential reading for conservationists and land managers interested in grassland ecosystems: Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control.

Check out the Managing Conservation Plantings Series which include details on how to control invasive species and other problematic plants in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings and native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings.

Publications in this series include:

• Golden Rod Control
• Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses
• Sericea Lespedeza Control
• Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives
• Jonhsongrass Control
• Reed Canarygrass Control
• Teasel Control (Common and Cut Leaved)
• Controlling Introduced Cool-Season Grasses
• Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

Resources:
Deer Impact Toolbox & Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour and Pocket Guide, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Dive into the latest stories from the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) Newsletter which highlights research, outreach, and partnerships making a difference across the Great Lakes region. In this issue, explore how communities, scientists and educators are working together to protect water quality, strengthen coastal resilience, and inspire stewardship.

Highlights from the newsletter include:

• IISG has a long history of supporting teachers through Great Lakes activities and resources
  Read the blog from Stuart Carlton.
• Freshwater jellyfish may increase in numbers as Illinois and Indiana waters continue to warm
  A closer look at how climate trends are affecting unexpected species in our region’s freshwater systems.
• New step-by-step guide and veterinary brochures expand UnwantedMeds.org resources
  New tools help communities safely dispose of unwanted or expired medicine—from household to veterinary use—reducing pollution and protecting public health.
• The Know Your H₂O Kit gets a real-world lab test by middle schoolers
  Students dove into hands-on learning with IISG’s Know Your H₂O Kit, testing their local water and connecting science concepts to real environmental data.
• Educators engage with Great Lakes scientists aboard the Lake Guardian
  Teachers joined researchers on Lake Michigan aboard the R/V Lake Guardian, collecting samples, learning new field techniques, and bringing Great Lakes science back to their students.
• IISG looks back on 30 years of AIS outreach
  Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is in the midst of its 30th year of dedicated outreach to address the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Great Lakes waters.
• Coastal communities face challenges in managing beach sand and structures
  Beginning in 2025, IISD has not one, but two coastal resilience specialists who are providing support for communities along the southern Lake Michigan shore.
• The Helm
  Our latest edition of The Helm brings together insights from field research, outreach efforts, and education across the Great Lakes region.
• Shaping the Shoreline: Video Series
  Explore how natural and engineered structures shape our Great Lakes coastlines.
• Welcome Stuart Carlton, new IISG director
  Stuart Carlton, longtime Sea Grant communicator and leader, steps into the director role—continuing IISG’s mission of connecting research, education, and outreach.
• Tomas Höök reflects on a legacy of leadership, collaboration and impact at IISG
  After more than a decade as director, Tomas Höök looks back on milestones that shaped IISG’s growth and lasting partnerships.

Subscribe to the IISG newsletter by sending your name and email to iisg@purdue.edu. To view the full newsletter visit: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) Quarterly Newsletter.

More Resources:
Prescription For Safety: How to Dispose of Unwanted Household Medicine, IISG Publications
A Guide to Marketing for Small-Scale Aquaculture Producers, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
A Guide to Small-Scale Fish Processing Using Local Kitchen Facilities, The Education Store
Marine Shrimp Biofloc Systems: Basic Management Practices, The Education Store
Sustainable Aquaculture: What does it mean to you?, The Education Store
The Benefits of Seafood Consumption The Education Store
Walleye Farmed Fish Fact Sheet: A Guide for Seafood Consumers, The Education Store
Fish Muscle Hydrolysate, The Education Store
Fish Cleaning with Purdue Extension County Extension Director, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Aquatics & Fisheries, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Eat Midwest Fish, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant online resource hub
Conservation Through Community Leadership, Sustainable Communities Extension Program (SCEP)
Climate Change and Sustainable Development, The Education Store
Climate Change: Are you preparing for it?, The Education Store

Natty Morrison, Communications Coordinator
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to Norway Spruce, a non-native conifer that has become a familiar sight across Indiana. Originally brought over from Europe, this species is now commonly planted for windbreaks, landscaping and reforestation. Learn how to recognize its distinctive shape and why it’s often chosen for both farms and front yards. Whether you’re a student, landowner or simply curious about the trees around you, this video offers a quick look at one of Indiana’s most widespread introduced evergreens.

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: There are many options for enjoying outdoor recreation across Indiana this fall, especially with deer hunting season upon us. Learn more about deer hunting, how to support healthy wildlife populations, important regulations and how your hunting can support Hoosiers in need. Pay special attention to deer regulation changes, season dates and the importance of purchasing your license.

• Reduction Zone Season: Sept. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
• Archery Season: Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
• Firearms Season: Nov. 15 – Nov. 30, 2025
• Muzzleloader Season: Dec. 6- Dec. 21, 2025

Deer Hunting Regulation Changes
Indiana DNR has made big changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules. These changes are in effect for the 2025-2026 hunting season. The changes were made, in part, to make Indiana’s hunting regulations easier to understand.

Rule changes include:

• The statewide bag limit is now 6 antlerless deer and 1 antlered deer.
• A newly created county antlerless bag limit replaces the season antlerless bag limits and county bonus antlerless quotas. Because of this change, the new multi-season antlerless license has replaced the bonus antlerless license.
• Antlerless deer cannot be taken with a firearm during firearms season at Fish & Wildlife areas.
• Only 1 antlered and 2 antlerless deer can be taken with the bundle license.
• The use of crossbow equipment is now allowed using the archery license.
• Portable tree stands and ground blinds can now be placed on DNR properties in Deer Reduction Zones between noon Sept. 1 and Feb. 8.
• State law prohibits the use of drones (unmanned aerial aircraft) to search for, scout, locate or detect a wild animal during the hunting season and for 14 days prior to the hunting season for that animal.
• Hunters can now use rifles with a centerfire cartridge that has a bullet diameter of .219 inches (5.56 mm) or larger on both public and private lands.

For questions about equipment, regulations or changes in them, or which license you need, contact the Deer Information Line at INDeerInfo@dnr.IN.gov or 812-334-3795.

View a webinar recording explaining deer regulation changes.

Hunting Safety Tips and Reminders
Indiana DNR reminds you to stay safe this deer season. Hunting injuries most commonly involve elevated platforms and tree stands, so stay safe by following the guidelines below.

Tree stand safety before the hunt:

• Read, understand, and follow the tree stand manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check tree stands and equipment for wear, fatigue, rust, and cracks or loose nuts/bolts, paying particularly close attention to parts made of material other than metal.
• Practice at ground level with a responsible adult. If you need to sight in your equipment, find a shooting range near you.
• Learn how to properly wear your full-body safety harness.
• Make a hunt plan and share it with someone before your hunt.
• Wear your full-body safety harness.
• Use a tree stand safety rope.
• Make certain to attach your harness to the tree or tree stand safety rope before leaving the ground and check that it remains attached to the tree or tree stand safety rope until you return to the ground.
• Maintain three points of contact during ascent and descent.
• Wear boots with nonslip soles.
• Use a haul line to raise and lower firearms, bows, and other hunting gear.
• Make sure firearms are unloaded, action is open, and safety is on before attaching them to the haul line.

General reminders:

• Hunter Orange – know when to wear it and how much is needed on a ground blind
  • Hunter orange is required for all deer hunters during youth, firearms, and muzzleloader season. Hunter orange must be worn at all times during the hunt, including walking to and from the hunting location. Regardless of hunting equipment being used (archery, crossbow or firearm), if it is firearms season, you are required to wear hunter orange.
  • A ground blind must have at least 144 square inches of hunter orange material that is visible from any direction during any season in which a hunter is already required to wear hunter orange.
• Firearm Safety – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Print and complete a Landowner Permission Form if hunting on private land that isn’t your own.
• Remember to complete and attach a deer transportation tag immediately upon taking a deer. The tag should be attached to the deer during transportation and any time the deer is unattended.

Always bring emergency equipment with you on your hunt, such as a cellphone, flashlight, small first aid kit and extra water.

Read more about the guidelines and property rules here: Fish & Wildlife Properties.

Deer Reduction Zones
For information or any questions, view: Deer Reduction Zones.

Deer Disease Updates
Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal disease impacting white-tailed deer, has been detected in wild deer in two areas of Indiana: LaGrange County and Posey County. These detections resulted in a CWD Positive Area including LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, and DeKalb counties and a one-year CWD Enhanced Surveillance Zone including Posey, Vanderburgh, and Gibson counties.

DNR offers free, statewide CWD testing for hunters by either taking your deer to one of DNR’s drop-off coolers at select Fish & Wildlife areas (FWAs), state parks, state fish hatcheries (SFHs) or through advertised private businesses such as taxidermists. These options are available during all seasons. Find out more about how to get your deer tested here: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

Resources:
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 2, Hanging & Skinning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 3, Deboning, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 4, Cutting, Grinding & Packaging, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Managing Deer Damage to Young Trees, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Integrated Deer Management Project, Purdue FNR
New Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)

Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Several things come into play when it comes to determining the colors that we find on leaves of our trees. As our days get shorter and our nights get longer there is a chemical change that happens in the tree. In this video Lenny Farlee talks about the several pigments that are found in trees and what changes from summer to fall that brings us the bright colors on leaves.

Explore IndyStar Story Behind Our Fall Colors
For more on what determines the specific colors our leaves turn and how weather and other factors influence the fall display check out this recent IndyStar article: What determines what color leaves turn in the fall? The story features insights from Lenny Farlee, Purdue Extension forester, who shares his expertise on the science and beauty behind Indiana’s fall foliage.

Fall Foliage by Tree Species (click on the image to expand)

Resources:
Indiana Fall Foliage Map, Explore Fall
Why Fall Color is Sometimes a Dud, Purdue Landscape Report
U.S. Forest Service Website and Hotline, Highlight Fall Colors on National Forests
ID That Tree Fall Color: Sugar Maple, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
ID That Tree Fall Color Edition: Black Gum, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
ID That Tree Fall Color Edition: Shagbark Hickory, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
ID That Tree Fall Color Edition: Virginia Creeper, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
ID That Tree Fall Color Edition: Winged Sumac, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
Autumn Highlights Tour – South Campus, Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Why Leaves Change Color – the Physiological Basis, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

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Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a familiar and useful native shrub, the Blackberry. Commonly found along woodland edges, open fields and roadsides across Indiana, this hardy plant is easy to spot in summer thanks to its features. Learn how to identify Blackberry by its stems, leaves and growth pattern. Whether you’re a forager, landowner, or someone who simply enjoys exploring nature, this video offers a quick and engaging look at how to recognize Blackberry and appreciate its role in Indiana’s natural landscapes.

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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In early November, invasive bush honeysuckle is one of the only understory shrubs that are still green. While many of our native plants are dormant, Asian bush honeysuckle remains green longer making them easy to locate. Doing control measures this time of year also reduces impacts to non-target plants.

How do you control it? That depends on what resources you have available. Small plants can be easily pulled by hand; be sure to hang them on tree branch rather than laying them down on the ground so they don’t re-root. In most cases, some method of herbicide control will be necessary. Ohio State University has a good guide on various methods of control, Controlling Non-Native Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests: Bush Honeysuckle.

Not sure where to start on your property? One of the most daunting aspects of invasive plant control is where to begin. Ellen Jacquart, former Director of Stewardship for the Nature Conservancy in Indiana, wrote an article in the Indiana Woodland Steward. The Where do I Start?! Prioritizing Invasive Plant Control article describes how to plan your invasive plant control including prioritizing what to do first.

Click on the photos below for larger view to help as you identify Asian bush honeysuckle.

Resources:
Subscribe to the Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter
Consider Fall Eradication of Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Landscape Report
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension YouTube Video
A Woodland Moment: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Video
Invasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.: An Introduction to the Problematic Non-Native Species, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Report Invasive Species: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Brian MacGowan​, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

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Purdue College of Agriculture News: An armored mammal, once limited to the swamps and forests of the Deep South, is now burrowing its way through the backyards and woodlands of Indiana. The nine-banded armadillo—a 10 to 15 pound mammal often associated with Texas or Louisiana—has become an increasingly common sight in the Hoosier state.

Brian MacGowan, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist and coordinator in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, explains that while this isn’t a brand-new arrival, the armadillo population and range have grown steadily and moved north in recent years.

“The nine-banded armadillo was first discovered living in Indiana around 2003,” MacGowan said. “Since then, they have been found throughout most of the state, even into the far northeast corner of Steuben County.”

MacGowan explains that armadillos are known to establish themselves in woodland areas in search of their food source. “Their diet is generally ground insects,” he said. “If an animal wants to find loads of insects, they will find an abundance in decaying wood.”

Another distinct characteristic of the nine-banded armadillo is their burrowing tactics.

“In some studies, these armadillos have been known to use multiple burrows, sometimes over 30 in a single year,” MacGowan said. “If they run into trouble, their first response is often to jump up and run into their burrow as fast as they can.”

As a nocturnal animal with many burrows to call home, their chances of being seen by humans are diminished. However, occasionally homeowners and farmers will find signs of armadillos on their property, such as where they dig up insects and grubs or burrow under a deck.

While armadillos are not known to be dangerous, there is a risk of humans or animals stepping into their open burrows. MacGowan compares this concern with the challenge farmers face with groundhogs and ground squirrels.

Rather than navigating by sight or sound, the nine-banded armadillos rely on smell, which could lead them to roadways while searching for food, MacGowan explains.

“The nine-banded armadillos also cannot curl up in a ball and protect their soft underbelly like other armadillo species can, so they’re vulnerable to predation by coyotes and other predators, said MacGowan.

Armadillo sightings are also influenced by the temperatures and moisture in an area. “If there’s a drought, it can kill off a lot of armadillos because the ground gets so hard and a lot of the insects and things they eat move below ground,” MacGowan said.

Typically, when it is cold out, the nine-banded armadillo adjusts its behavior to be more active during the day, partly because that helps them warm up. Also, some of the things they eat are more likely to be active when it’s warmer. MacGowan encourages people who encounter these animals to let them be.

“Armadillos are susceptible to a variety of diseases just like any wild animal,” he said. “You might have heard talk that armadillos can carry leprosy. That is generally an endemic issue for those animals specifically found in some regions in the south. While leprosy is quite deadly to armadillos, there is absolutely no evidence of transmission to people. However, they are wild animals, and the DNR will always caution people to keep their distance from any wild animal.”

The next time you spot this rare visitor in your backyard or scurrying across a Hoosier road, remember that you are witnessing history in motion. Reporting unusual animal sightings, like the nine-banded armadillo, not only helps the DNR track these shifts, but also deepens our understanding of a continually evolving ecosystem. After all, you never know what remarkable creature might be unexpectedly making its home in Indiana.

You can help the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife by submitting reports of certain mammals of interest. These mammals can potentially be seen from the comfort of your home, on your way to work, or while out biking, hiking, or camping. Reports can be made to the DNR here.

To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue College of Agriculture website view: Unexpected Plants and Animals of Indiana: The nine-banded armadillo.

Resources:
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Wildlife Habitat Hint, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist
Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Preventing Wildlife Damage – Do You Need a Permit? – The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Selecting a Nuisance Wildlife Control Professional, The Education Store
How to Construct a Scent Station, The Education Store
Question: How do I properly relocate raccoons from my attic?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension FNR
Nuisance Wildlife – Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Subscribe to our FNR Extension YouTube Channel with over 250 videos which include: aquatic, forestry, urban forestry, wildlife, community planning videos and much more.

Ericka Bethel, Digital Content Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

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IN-PREPared: The Indiana State Board of Animal Health has confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in northeast Indiana. As millions of wild birds traverse the state during peak migration, the risk of additional outbreaks remains high. To support awareness and preparedness, Indiana PREPared offers a comprehensive resource library with science-based information on avian influenza, biosecurity practices, and public health guidance.

What is HPAI?
Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds. It’s a major threat to the poultry industry, animal health, trade, and the economy worldwide.

Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) strains typically cause few or no signs of illness. They occur naturally in wild birds around the world. However, some LPAI strains can become highly pathogenic in poultry. (USDA-APHIS)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
• While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

To learn more, visit the webpage: Avian Influenza.

More Resources:
Avian Flu (Bird Flu), IN DNR, Fish and Wildlife
Question: Is there any risk of becoming infected with avian influenza virus by feeding backyard birds?, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Breeding Bird Atlas, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
IN DNR Shares How to Keep Your Backyard Birds Healthy, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Birds, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
The Birders’ Dozen, Profile: Baltimore Oriole, Indiana Woodland Steward
Birds and Residential Window Strikes: Tips for Prevention, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
No Room at the Inn: Suburban Backyards and Migratory Birds, Education Store
The National Audubon Society
Subscribe, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Ed Sheldon, Farm/Veteran Job Coach and Engagement Coordinator
Department of Agriculture & Biological Engineering, Purdue University

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