Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are hoofed mammals native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America, inhabiting diverse landscapes. While often perceived as wild, javelinas are generally timid and prefer to avoid human interaction. Understanding their behaviors and circumstances leading to danger can help ensure safety.
Understanding Javelina Behavior
Javelinas are highly social, typically living in herds of a few to over 20 individuals. These herds cooperate to defend their territory, protect against predators, and maintain social bonds. They primarily feed on plants, including cacti, roots, bulbs, and fruits, though they may occasionally consume insects or carrion.
With poor eyesight, javelinas rely heavily on their keen sense of smell to navigate, locate food, and identify herd members. Their hearing is average. When startled or sensing a threat, their instinct is to flee rather than confront.
Situations Leading to Danger
Despite their timid nature, javelinas can exhibit defensive aggression under specific circumstances. Aggressive behavior is primarily triggered when javelinas feel threatened or cornered, leading to charging, teeth clacking, or vocalizations like barking and growling. This defensive stance often results from their poor eyesight, as they may appear to charge when attempting to escape.
Mothers are particularly protective of their young, known as “reds,” and will act aggressively if they perceive a threat. Interactions with dogs are a common source of conflict, as javelinas often mistake dogs for natural predators like coyotes, leading to defensive attacks that can injure both pets and their owners. People walking dogs have been attacked by javelinas in areas like Tucson every few months due to this misidentification.
Habituation to human food sources increases the risk of dangerous encounters. When javelinas associate humans with food, they lose their natural fear and become bolder, approaching residential areas. Javelina bites on humans are almost always linked to individuals providing them with food, intentionally or inadvertently. An injured or sick javelina may behave unpredictably and aggressively, posing an additional risk.
Reducing the Likelihood of Encounters
Minimizing attractants around human dwellings can significantly reduce negative javelina interactions. Securing trash cans with locking lids or attaching them to a fence prevents javelinas from foraging for discarded food. Pet food should always be fed indoors or only in quantities immediately consumed, as leftovers can attract javelinas.
Never intentionally feed javelinas, as this habituates them to humans and can lead to aggressive food-seeking behaviors. Removing fallen fruit and nuts from yards eliminates a tempting food source. Keeping pets on leashes, especially in areas known for javelina activity, helps prevent situations where dogs might provoke a defensive reaction. Sturdy fencing, such as a four-foot chain link fence, or low-voltage electric fencing with strands 8-10 inches from the ground, can deter javelinas from entering yards.
What to Do During an Encounter
If a javelina encounter occurs, remain calm. Avoid sudden movements that might startle the animal. Making yourself appear larger by waving your arms or an object, and making loud noises like shouting or clapping, can help deter the javelina.
Slowly back away and create distance, allowing the javelina to perceive a clear escape route, which is their typical response to perceived threats. Never attempt to corner a javelina, as this can escalate their defensive behavior.
If a javelina appears to charge (a rare, usually defensive action), throwing an object towards it (not necessarily to injure, but to deter) or spraying it with water or diluted ammonia can be effective. If a pet is involved, pick up smaller dogs and move away.