Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are unique wild animals found in the southwestern United States and extending south into Central and South America. Often mistaken for wild pigs due to their appearance, javelinas belong to a different animal family, Tayassuidae. While their appearance might suggest aggression, their general disposition is not inherently aggressive. Understanding their natural behaviors helps clarify misconceptions about their potential for aggression.
Understanding Javelina Behavior
Javelinas are social creatures that live in herds, often called squadrons, which can range from a few individuals to more than 20 animals. These herds are cohesive, with members eating, sleeping, and foraging together. They communicate through various vocalizations, including grunts, woofs, and purrs, and use scent glands to identify herd members and mark territory.
Their diet primarily consists of plants, such as cacti, roots, and mesquite beans. Though classified as omnivores, they may occasionally consume insects or other small items. Javelinas have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food and detect predators. When startled, their typical defense mechanism is to scatter or flee rather than confront a threat.
Javelinas are most active during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late afternoon, seeking shade in caves or under trees during the heat. This behavior, combined with their reliance on flight as a primary defense, underscores their timid and reclusive nature, preferring to avoid human interaction.
Situations Leading to Aggression
While javelinas are not typically aggressive, specific circumstances can provoke a defensive response. One common trigger is feeling cornered or trapped. In such situations, they may exhibit defensive behaviors like charging, teeth clacking, or making barking or growling sounds.
Mothers are protective of their young, often called “reds,” and will defend them from perceived threats. Javelinas may also become defensive when protecting a food source, especially if they perceive competition. An injured or sick javelina might lash out defensively, as their compromised state makes them more vulnerable.
Dogs are frequently perceived as predators by javelinas, leading to defensive behavior, even if the dog is on a leash. Encounters between javelinas and dogs can escalate quickly, with javelinas often responding aggressively to protect themselves or their herd. Javelina bites on humans are rare and almost always associated with people feeding them, which causes javelinas to lose their natural fear.
Safe Encounters and Deterrence
Maintaining a respectful distance from javelinas is important for safety. If an encounter occurs, give them ample space and avoid approaching, especially if young are present. Never feed javelinas, as this habituates them to humans, causing them to lose their natural fear and potentially leading to aggressive encounters.
Keep dogs on a leash and prevent them from chasing or barking at javelinas, as this can provoke a defensive attack. If a javelina approaches, making loud noises such as shouting, clapping, or banging objects can often scare them away. Slowly back away without turning your back or running if you feel threatened.
Securing trash cans, removing fallen fruit, and using fencing can help deter javelinas from residential areas, encouraging them to forage in their natural habitat. These measures reduce the likelihood of unwanted encounters by limiting access to food sources.