Javelinas are unique animals found in Texas. Often mistaken for wild pigs, they are a distinctive part of the state’s ecosystem. Understanding their characteristics and behaviors is important for those in areas where they reside.
Confirming Javelina Presence in Texas
Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are native to Texas and found throughout the southwestern third of the state. Though pig-like in appearance, javelinas are not true pigs; they belong to a separate biological family, Tayassuidae, which diverged from the pig family (Suidae) approximately 40 million years ago. They are smaller than feral hogs, weighing between 35 to 55 pounds and standing about 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a grizzled black and grayish coat with a prominent band of lighter, whitish hair around their neck, giving them their “collared” name.
Javelina Characteristics and Habitats
Javelinas have a pig-like snout, slender legs, and small, straight, dagger-like canine teeth (tusks) that point downwards. Unlike true pigs, their tail is often unnoticeable or appears as a small tuft of hair. A musk gland located on their rump emits a strong odor, which javelinas use for scent marking territories and communicating within their social groups.
Javelinas are social animals living in family groups called herds or squadrons, typically ranging from 10 to 20 individuals, though groups of up to 50 have been observed. These herds are territorial, defending their home ranges from other groups. They are primarily herbivores, with prickly pear cactus forming a significant portion of their diet, sometimes up to 80 percent, which also provides much of their water. Their diet also includes mesquite beans, roots, forbs, and other succulent vegetation.
In Texas, javelinas are most commonly found in the semi-arid brushlands of South Texas, the desert grasslands of the Trans-Pecos region, and the oak-juniper woodlands of the Edwards Plateau and the southern edge of the Rolling Plains. They prefer dense thickets, brush country, and rocky canyons, often seeking shelter in caves or under ledges. While active during the day, they shift to more nocturnal activity during hotter months to avoid heat.
Coexisting with Javelinas
Understanding how to react to javelinas promotes safety for both humans and wildlife. Javelinas are shy and typically retreat if threatened. If spotted, move slowly away and change direction, providing the animal space. Making loud noises, such as yelling, clapping, or banging objects, can help scare them away. If necessary, throwing rocks in their direction (not directly at them) can also deter them.
To minimize encounters, especially in residential areas, avoid attracting javelinas with readily available food or water sources.
- Secure trash cans with locking lids and ensure outdoor pet food and birdseed are not accessible.
- Promptly picking up fallen fruit from trees can also prevent attraction.
- Removing standing water sources, like pet dishes or leaky faucets, can further discourage them.
- Installing fencing around gardens or planting javelina-resistant vegetation can protect landscaping.
- Blocking access to sheltered spots like crawl spaces under homes can prevent javelinas from denning in residential areas.