Growing Armadillo Population Poses Threat to Missouri Drivers

Intro: Tour of Missouri rider Dan Schmatz can vouch that Missouri's armadillo population is growing.

Courtney Cox has more on the story.

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Schamtz suffered a broken collarbone when his bike hit one on the second phase of the tour.

The armadillo population in the state has been increasing since the early 1980's

Tim Edison is a Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

He says Missouri drivers should be on the lookout.

Actuality: ARMADIL2.WAV

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Description: I know there have been quite a few instances of vehicles actually hitting an armadillo. They obviously can do damage when they do hit the vehicle, besides the obvious running over and losing control potentially, which you hate to see.

The Conservation department said that mild winters are the reason for the mammals migration north.

From the capitol, I'm Courtney Cox

Intro: A Tour of Missouri rider ended his season early when an armadillo caused him to wreck on Tuesday. Courtney Cox has more on the story.

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Dan Schmatz suffered a broken collarbone, when an armadillo caused him to wreck during the second phase of the Tour.

Schmatz said he didn't know what hit him.

Actuality: SCHMATZ2.WAV

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Description: "When I hit it and went off my bike and landed on my head and shoulder. And I was unconscious for a little bit. By the time the medical staff and my race director got there I was just trying to figure out what was going on."

A representative from Schmatz's racing team, said the armadillo was an unimportant detail and that their main concern was for their riders.

Although the Tour of Missouri continues through Sunday, Schmatz injury will end his season.

From the state capitol, I'm Courtney Cox.

Intro: It was an armadillo that caused Tour of Missouri rider Dan Schmatz to wreck during the tour's second phase on Tuesday. Courtney Cox explains.

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OutCue: SOC Professional cyclist Dan Schmatz was only seven miles into the second phase of the tour when he ran into an unexpected obstacle.

Actuality: SCHMATZ1.WAV

Run Time: 00:10

Description: "I saw something for a split second, we were going quite fast and it all happened really fast so I didn't know what it was until it was over and people told me what it was."

The incident knocked Schmatz unconscious for a few moments and caused a broken collarbone.

His BMC teammate Jonathan Garcia, was also involved but did not sustain any serious injuries.

The Tour will conclude in St. Louis on Sunday, but Schmatz is done for the season.

From the capitol, I'm Courtney Cox.