An armadillo in Iowa? Yes, more are finding their way into the state.

Keep an eye on the side of the road, you might spot an armadillo. For 100 years, the creatures have been expanding northward across the United States from Mexico.

It's not known how many are actually living in Iowa, but two recent sightings in central Iowa are part of a growing trend, according to data from an Iowa Department of Natural Resources official.

Here's what you should know about armadillos and the recent sightings.

Where are there armadillos in Iowa?

For the second known time in a month, an armadillo was spotted in Marshall County recently.

The first armadillo was found in July by a Marshall County Conservation Officer. It was found outside of Marshalltown near an intersection with U.S. Highway 30, the Times-Republican reported . A second one was found in the county on Aug. 19, KCCI reported .

How common are armadillos in Iowa?

James Coffey, wildlife technician at Iowa DNR, has kept track of armadillo sightings in the state since 2016. He says this isn't a complete understanding of armadillos in Iowa, but it's what has been reported to him.

Here are the armadillo sightings per year since Coffey started keeping track:

• 2017: 9
• 2018: 18
• 2019: 4
• 202: 36
• 2021: 27
• 2022: 26
• 2023: 26
• 2024 (as of Aug. 20): 31

Iowans who spot an armadillo can report the information to Coffey at James.Coffey@dnr.iowa.gov . He requests only first-hand reports. Include the specific location, and any photos, if available.

What is an armadillo?

The nine-banded armadillo is a mammal that can grow to about the size of a cat or small dog, according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department .

Armadillos may be more agile than you think, as they can jump up to 4 feet in the air. But, this trait often leads to their demise, the Iowa DNR said. Armadillos somtimes jump to avoid a predator on the road, like a vehicle, but end up crashing into the underside instead.

While their armor is probably the first thing you notice, they've got impressive claws too. They don't just stick to land, either, the Iowa DNR said, armadillos can walk underwater and hold their breath for up to six minutes.

Finally, their cuisine of choice for an armadillos is usually insects. They have too poor of sight to see them well, but Iowa DNR said their smell is outstanding.

Armadillos don't have any hair to help regulate their body temperature, so they're unlikely to stay in Iowa over the winter, the DNR said.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: An armadillo in Iowa? Yes, more are finding their way into the state.