The javelina, also known as the collared peccary, is a medium-sized, hoofed mammal native to the Americas. Often mistaken for a wild pig, this animal belongs to a completely different family. Javelinas are highly social animals that live in herds called sounders, typically consisting of five to fifteen individuals. They are easily identified by the white band of hair around their neck and their coarse, dark coat. As human development expands into their natural habitat, particularly in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, concerns have grown about the potential danger this wild animal poses to people.
Assessing the Lethality Risk
The question of whether a javelina can cause a human fatality is serious, but recorded human deaths resulting from an attack are virtually non-existent. Javelinas are powerful animals equipped with sharp, straight canine teeth that act as tusks, capable of inflicting deep lacerations and tissue damage. While they possess the tools to cause considerable damage, their typical response to human presence is to flee rather than engage in conflict. Attacks resulting in serious bites requiring medical attention are extremely rare. Any bite, however, warrants seeking immediate medical treatment due to the risk of infection and the need for a rabies assessment.
Triggers for Defensive Behavior
Javelinas are not inherently aggressive but are fiercely defensive when they perceive a threat to themselves or their sounder. The most intense trigger is the presence of young, sometimes called “reds.” A mother or an entire herd will quickly charge and defend their piglets if they feel they are being approached or cornered.
The animal’s poor eyesight also plays a significant role in conflicts, as they rely heavily on their excellent senses of smell and hearing. A javelina may be startled by a sudden, close encounter and charge in what appears to be an aggressive move. This is often a panic-driven attempt to escape a perceived threat, especially if the animal feels trapped or surprised.
The presence of domestic dogs is the most frequent cause of serious javelina conflicts. Javelinas view dogs as natural predators and will instinctively attack them to eliminate the threat to the sounder. A person walking a dog is often the victim of a defensive charge, which can lead to serious injury for the dog and a bite for the human attempting to intervene.
Safe Coexistence and Avoidance
Minimizing encounters with javelinas in residential areas begins with removing attractants that draw them near human dwellings. Feeding javelinas is illegal in many jurisdictions and causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to increased conflict. This habituation often results in the animals becoming regular, problematic visitors.
Residents should secure all potential food sources, including tightly sealing garbage cans and never leaving pet food outside. Javelinas are opportunistic feeders, consuming landscaping items like flower bulbs, low-hanging fruit, and garden vegetables. Removing thick brush or securing crawl spaces beneath porches and sheds prevents them from using these spots for shelter.
If an encounter occurs, the recommended action is to make the animal feel uncomfortable without provoking a charge. This involves making loud noises, such as clapping hands, yelling, or stomping your feet, to encourage them to retreat. If you are walking a dog, pick it up immediately and slowly back away to defuse the perceived threat against the sounder.