While armadillos are primarily associated with the southern United States, particularly states like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, there are some reports of armadillos being spotted in California. However, these instances are quite rare and often involve individual animals that have wandered far from their typical habitats.
The nine-banded armadillo, the most common species in the U.S., is gradually expanding its range northward, but it hasn’t established a stable population in California. The state’s diverse environments and climate can be challenging for them, and they prefer warmer, more humid areas to thrive.
So, in short, while you might hear about sightings, there are no established populations of armadillos in California as of now.