The javelina, also known as the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), is a medium-sized mammal native to the Americas. Often mistaken for a wild pig or feral hog, this animal belongs to a completely separate family of hoofed creatures. Javelinas are highly adaptable and have become an increasingly common sight in residential areas across the southwestern United States as human development expands. Understanding their identity and behavior is key to safe coexistence.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
Javelinas are not members of the true pig family (Suidae); instead, they belong to the peccary family (Tayassuidae). They possess a stocky body, standing about 18 to 24 inches high at the shoulder and typically weighing between 35 and 55 pounds. Their bodies are covered in coarse, grizzled fur that is generally grayish-black.
The most distinguishing feature is the pale, yellowish-white stripe of hair ringing the neck and shoulders, which gives the collared peccary its common name. Unlike the curved tusks of true pigs, the javelina’s canine teeth are short, sharp, and point straight downward. These interlocking tusks are primarily used for defense and for cutting through tough vegetation like cactus pads.
Javelinas possess poor eyesight, relying heavily on other senses to navigate their environment. They have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to locate food and to identify members of their social group. When startled, they may also flare the bristly hair along their back to appear larger to a potential threat.
Geographic Range and Herd Dynamics
The range of the collared peccary extends from the southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, south through Central America, and into northern Argentina. They inhabit a variety of environments, from arid scrublands and desert washes to oak woodlands. They can be found at elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Javelinas are highly social animals that live in cohesive family groups commonly referred to as “squadrons.” These groups usually contain between six and 20 individuals. The group moves, forages, and sleeps together, relying on close social bonds for protection.
Communication and territorial marking are managed through a powerful musk released from a scent gland located on the animal’s rump. This musky odor is used to mark the boundaries of their territory and to identify one another. Members of the squadron will often rub against each other, a behavior sometimes called a “javy hug,” to mix their scents and maintain group cohesion.
Diet and Navigating Human Environments
Javelinas are opportunistic omnivores, with a diet that is primarily plant-based. In the desert, their primary food source is the prickly pear cactus, which provides both sustenance and a vital source of water. They also consume other native vegetation, including roots, agave, mesquite beans, and various bulbs.
Javelinas will occasionally eat insects, grubs, and small vertebrates. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in suburban settings where they may forage on ornamental plants and cultivated gardens, or investigate unsecured garbage. This encroachment into urban areas necessitates clear strategies for human coexistence.
To minimize conflict, people in javelina territory should secure all outdoor attractants, including:
- Garbage cans
- Pet food bowls
- Vegetable gardens
- Ornamental plants
If a javelina or a squadron is encountered, maintain a safe distance and never attempt to corner the animals, as they can become defensive. Making loud noises, such as yelling or clapping, is usually enough to encourage the animals to leave the area without confrontation. Pet owners should be cautious, as javelinas may perceive dogs as predators and react aggressively to protect their group.