Posted By Les Conklin on Oct 20, 2014

Courtesy of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Collard Peccary, a.k.a. Javelina. Photo Courtesy of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

The Sonoran Desert is experiencing unprecedented growth in both population and development and wild animals are adapting to these changes. Golf courses are good hunting and feeding grounds. Garbage cans and picnic areas are easy access to free food. Our desert is crossed with countless washes, which are wildlife highways. All of these factors increase the chance of wildlife encounters for humans and for our pets. It’s important to know what you can do to minimize or prevent these encounters.

The javelina (collared peccary) is one of our desert neighbors that seem to get a lot of attention. When we hear the name javelina we often think javelin – which is the Spanish name for spear. This might have come from the spear-like shape of their sharp canine teeth. An adult javelina will stand about two feet tall and three feet long and will weigh around forty or fifty pounds. They have 2 or 3 babies annually, sometimes called “reds” as they are light brown or red in color. Although at first glance they resemble a domestic pig, javelina are more closely related to a hippopotamus. Due to their unique anatomical differences they have their own scientific family classification – Tayassuidae common name peccary.

These desert dwellers are often misunderstood and considered aggressive and dangerous when, in fact, they can be shy and easily frightened.

Javelina Enjoys Pumpkin Feast. Courtesy of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

Javelina are social animals and prefer to live in large groups or herds. They’re nearsighted and live in a world of scent and sound. As they forage for food they’re constantly communicating through grunts, barks and a unique scent that is particular to their specific herd. Javelina generally forage in early mornings and evenings but also at night, especially in urban areas.

In the desert, javelina eat cactus and succulent plants and are particularly fond of prickly pear cactus. They also graze on seeds, fruits, roots and grasses and are especially attracted to broad-leaf flowering plants and shrubs. As with all desert animals, javelina seek out water during the hot summer months, and will roll in mud holes and ponds to keep cool. They will utilize shade wherever they can find it.

There are several things we can do to prevent conflict with javelina:

•  A sturdy fence or wall is a great way to discourage them from coming into our yards and helping themselves to newly planted flowers or shrubs. It will also deter them from using water systems as their personal water fountain. Javelina are poor jumpers but are relentless for a tasty morsel. Therefore, make sure your fences or walls are “javelina tough.”
•  Remove pet food and water bowls at night. The smell of pet food is a magnet for javelina. Taking it out of their range is an easy solution.
•  Secure garbage containers with tight fitting lids. If possible, put your trash out just before pick up.
•  Keep all horse or livestock feed in secure containers and place in protected storage area.
•  Keep your garage doors shut and secure crawlspaces.

Baby Javelina Enjoys Veggies. Photo courtesy of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

If javelina become a nuisance, there are several things you can do to try to discourage them:

• Make loud noises – bang pots or yell.
• Throw small rocks in their direction.
• Spray with a garden hose or use a squirt gun with a diluted ammonia mixture (90% water and 10% ammonia).
• If the javelina is confined, open the gate and leave the area and allow the animal to leave on its own.
• If there are javelina in the area, remove all bird feeders, especially quail feeding blocks.
• Keep your dogs on a leash while walking. If you encounter a javelina, quickly turn around and re-direct your path.

As with all wildlife, NEVER FEED JAVELINA. This will only encourage the animal to stay in the area. If they continue to remain as an unwanted guest please call Arizona Fish and Game at (602) 942-3000 or Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center at (480) 471-3621.

To learn more about living with wildlife, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center will be offering monthly adult “Wild Workshops” starting January and running through April. Please visit www.southwestwildlife.org to learn more about these opportunities.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization which is run by a handful of staff and many dedicated volunteers. We are funded solely through private donations, fund-raising and grants.