The wild, pig-like animals encountered across Arizona are known by the common name Javelina, or Collared Peccaries (Dicotyles tajacu). These stocky, bristly mammals are native to the Americas and are often seen in the state’s desert and chaparral regions. They are one of the most frequently observed native mammals in Arizona, thriving in environments ranging from the outskirts of Tucson and Phoenix to higher elevation woodlands. The Javelina belongs to a completely separate biological family from true pigs, having evolved independently for millions of years.
Identification and Classification
The Javelina is frequently mistaken for a wild pig or feral hog, but it belongs to the family Tayassuidae, while true pigs are in the family Suidae. Peccaries are “New World” species, native to the Western Hemisphere, unlike pigs which originated in the “Old World.” An adult Javelina typically weighs between 35 and 60 pounds, standing approximately 19 inches tall at the shoulder, making them significantly smaller than mature feral hogs.
These animals possess a coarse, grizzled coat of black, gray, and brown hair. A noticeable band of lighter hair around the neck gives them their formal name, the Collared Peccary. Javelinas have relatively short legs and a pig-like snout. Unlike true pigs, which have four toes on their hind feet, Javelinas have only three hoofed toes on their rear limbs, and their tails are barely visible.
Their canine teeth, or tusks, are straight and point downward, designed for cutting and slashing, unlike a wild boar’s curling tusks. They have a complex, three-chambered stomach, which is an adaptation suited for digesting the tough, fibrous plant matter in their arid habitat. Javelinas also possess a prominent musk gland located on their rump, which they use to mark their territory and identify herd members.
Habitat and Social Structure
Javelinas inhabit areas from the Sonoran Desert floor up to 7,000 feet in elevation, including desert washes, grasslands, and oak-pine woodlands. They are most common in the southern and central parts of the state, utilizing natural arroyos and dense vegetation for shelter and travel corridors. Herd home ranges average around 800 acres.
These are highly social animals that live in herds, or “squadrons,” which typically consist of six to fifteen individuals. The herd structure is matriarchal, and the group relies on strong social bonds for protection against predators like mountain lions and bobcats. They communicate using audible grunts, teeth popping, and body language, but scent is their most important tool.
Herd mates frequently rub their scent glands together, mixing their individual scents into a unique group odor that aids identification. They are generally active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, a behavior known as crepuscular activity, though they may forage during the day in colder weather. During the heat of Arizona summers, they seek shade or dig shallow beds beneath vegetation to regulate their body temperature.
Diet and Foraging
The Javelina’s diet is primarily herbivorous, though they are considered opportunistic omnivores. Their ability to thrive in arid conditions is linked to their consumption of moisture-rich plants. Prickly pear cactus pads and fruit are a major food source, along with agave hearts, mesquite beans, and various roots and tubers.
They use their tough snouts to locate underground bulbs and roots, though they do not root as extensively as feral hogs. When consuming prickly pear, they use their teeth and rough tongues to scrape off the spines before eating the fleshy pads. While their diet is dominated by vegetation, they will occasionally consume insects, grubs, or small amounts of carrion.
Interaction with Humans and Legal Status
Javelinas are generally shy and will retreat from human contact, but they can become defensive if they feel cornered or if their young are threatened. Their poor eyesight can sometimes cause them to appear to be charging when they are actually trying to escape. Conflicts most often arise when Javelinas are attracted to human properties by food sources, such as garden plants, pet food, or unsecured garbage.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) classifies Javelinas as a big game species. State law prohibits the feeding of Javelinas and other wildlife, with penalties that can include a $300 fine. Feeding causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to increased conflicts and potential injury to both people and pets.
To discourage their presence, residents should secure trash cans, feed pets indoors, and consider Javelina-resistant fencing to protect vulnerable landscaping. If an encounter occurs, the recommended action is to back away slowly and make noise to scare the animals off. Never attempt to corner or approach them. If a Javelina appears aggressive, is contained, or has lost its fear of people, the AZGFD should be contacted for assistance.