And that smell! Strolling through the Arizona high desert, you'll often smell a Javelina before you see one.
They have a gland at the base of their tails that they use to mark trees, rocks and even each other with a sharp, musky scent something like that of a skunk, though just a touch less eye-watering. The Javelina's favorite foods are prickly pear and agave, but they'll eat a variety of desert roots, fruits, bugs and the occasional lizard.
And the braver Javelina are not above rummaging through a neighborhood trash can or nice looking garden. They can get used to humans, but please, no matter how fuzzy and sweet they seem, don't run up and squeeze one. Their canine teeth are longer than those of any North American predator, and when threatened they're not afraid to use them. If a Javelina feels cornered, it will stamp, snort and clatter its jaws together and might decide to charge at the perceived threat. One Gateway staffer was chased down a Tucson wash by a group of angry Javelina who took exception to her dog harassing them. Reports of Javelina badly injuring dogs are not uncommon, and you should make every effort to avoid a meeting between the two creatures. But from a safe distance, they can be observed without a problem.
While Javelina are a hot target for game hunters in Arizona, we encourage you to enjoy their amusing demeanor and clever opportunism instead, and allow them to continue doing their piggy thing in peace.
Article by Sarah Horton
Visitor Comment, July 31, 2008:
I just saw a Javelina in my backyard the past two days. I thought maybe I was going crazy because I was the only one in my family that saw it, besides my dogs, and they can't talk! I found the article very informative & interesting. Thank you!!! — Kelly Scott, Flagstaff
Visitor Comment, September 7, 2008:
I found this article to be very informative. I am moving to a park in Prescott, AZ within the next few months and was told that these pigs frequent the grounds at that park. I had never heard of a Javelina before this, so was curious about what they looked like and their demeanor. Thank you for sharing this information. I look forward to seeing them in my yard soon. — Terry Holly
