Javelina’s are NOT pigs !
Though some people think javelina are a type of wild pig, they are actually members of the peccary family, a group of hoofed mammals originating from South America.
Javelina are common in much of central and southern Arizona, including the outskirts of the Phoenix area, most of Tucson, and occasionally as far north as Flagstaff. Javelina form herds of two to more than 20 animals and rely on each other to defend territory, protect against predators, regulate temperature and interact socially. They use washes and areas with dense vegetation as travel corridors. Javelina are most active at night, but they may be active during the day when it is cold.
Javelina are classified as big-game animals in Arizona and are protected by state law.
They can be dangerous. Javelina occasionally bite humans, but incidents of bites are almost always associated with people providing the javelina with food. Javelina can inflict a serious wound. Dogs and coyotes are natural predators of javelina, and they can seriously hurt or kill each other.
Below are a few tips on what to do if you encounter them:
- Scare off animals by making loud noises, throwing small rocks in their direction, or spraying with water from a garden hose or large squirt gun filled with diluted ammonia (10% ammonia and 90% water).
- If the animal is confined, open a gate, have all people leave the area and allow it to leave on its own.
- If you see javelina while walking your dog (always on leash), avoid going near the javelina and quickly take your dog in a different direction.
Click HERE for more information from the Arizona Fish and Game Department.
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A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife
We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 911 immediately to have it removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.