Javelina, also known as collared peccaries, are pig-like mammals native to the Americas, commonly found in the Southwestern United States. These social animals typically live in herds ranging from two to over twenty individuals. While they generally prefer to avoid human interaction, javelina can attack humans. Such incidents are infrequent and usually occur under specific circumstances.
Why Javelina Attack
Javelina are not inherently aggressive, but certain situations can trigger defensive behavior. They may charge if they feel cornered, surprised, or perceive a threat to themselves or their herd. Their poor eyesight can sometimes cause them to appear to charge when they are actually trying to escape a perceived threat.
Females are particularly protective of their young, known as pups, and may exhibit aggressive behavior if they sense a danger to their offspring. Javelina may also become defensive if humans or pets approach them while feeding or if their communal space is encroached upon. Bites to humans are rare, with only one or two typically recorded in Arizona each year.
A significant factor in aggressive encounters is when javelina become accustomed to human presence, especially if fed by people. This habituation causes them to lose their natural fear, leading to bolder behavior. Unprovoked attacks are extremely uncommon, with most incidents stemming from a perceived threat or human-induced habituation.
Preventing Javelina Encounters
Minimize the risk of aggressive javelina encounters by managing attractants around human habitats. Secure pet food, birdseed, and unsecured garbage outdoors. Regularly pick up fallen fruit from trees, and feed pets indoors to prevent attracting javelina.
Intentionally feeding javelina is strongly discouraged, as this practice habituates them to humans and can lead to a loss of their natural fear, increasing the likelihood of problematic interactions. When walking in areas where javelina are present, especially brushy terrain, keep dogs on leashes. Dogs can provoke javelina, and these animals are known to injure or kill dogs. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising them due to their poor eyesight.
Maintain a safe distance from javelina; avoid approaching them for photos or observation. Secure yards with physical barriers such as solid four-foot walls or chain-link fences. Low-voltage electric fences with strands placed at 8-10 inches from the ground can also be effective deterrents. Block access to shaded nooks and crawlspaces under decks or sheds to prevent javelina from seeking shelter in residential areas.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you encounter a javelina, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Slowly back away to create distance without turning your back. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket to deter them.
Create loud noises, such as clapping your hands, shouting, stomping your feet, or banging pots and pans, to scare javelina away. If a javelina charges or approaches aggressively, throwing objects like rocks or sticks is an effective last resort.
If physical contact occurs or a javelina attacks, fight back aggressively by kicking, punching, or using any available object, targeting the snout or eyes. Javelina bites can inflict serious wounds. If you are with a dog, get your dog behind you or pick up smaller pets to prevent them from engaging, as javelina can severely injure dogs. Report aggressive javelina behavior or actual attacks to local animal control or wildlife authorities.