The javelina, also known as the collared peccary, is a unique mammal native to the Americas that often causes confusion due to its pig-like appearance. This animal is not a member of the true pig or hog family (Suidae), but instead belongs to its own distinct New World family, Tayassuidae. The javelina is found across a wide geographical range, stretching from the southwestern United States—specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas—through Central America and down into northern Argentina. This native species is a resilient desert dweller, relying on its keen senses and social structure to thrive in semi-arid environments.
Overall Size and Body Structure
The javelina exhibits a compact, robust body shape supported by relatively short legs, giving it a stout profile. An adult typically measures 3 to 4 feet in length and stands 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Their weight generally falls within the range of 35 to 60 pounds, making them roughly the size of a medium-sized dog.
The body features a highly reduced tail that is often unnoticeable in the field, sometimes appearing only as a small tuft of hair. A prominent dorsal scent gland is located near the base of the tail. This gland secretes a musky, oily substance used for territorial marking and group recognition.
Distinctive Coat and Coloration
The animal’s coat is coarse and bristly, a blend of grizzled black and grayish hairs often described as “salt and pepper” coloration. A ridge of longer, stiff hair runs along the back, forming a mane that can be erected when the animal is alarmed or excited.
The most defining visual feature is the light-colored band of hair that encircles the neck and shoulders. This distinctive marking, which can appear yellowish or white, gives the animal its alternative name, the collared peccary. This pale collar is consistently present in adults, serving as a reliable identification marker. Young javelinas are born with a reddish or yellowish-brown coat and a dark stripe, gradually developing the adult coloring and collar as they mature.
Unique Cranial Features
The javelina’s head is large and wedge-shaped, featuring a pig-like snout that ends in a tough, disk-like nose. The eyes are small and set back, reflecting poor eyesight; they can only see clearly for about 30 feet. To compensate for limited vision, they rely heavily on an excellent sense of smell and good hearing.
The dental structure is a key identifier, particularly the canine teeth, referred to as tusks. These tusks are short, sharp, and point straight downward, unlike the outward and upward-curving tusks seen in true pigs. The tusks sharpen themselves as the javelina opens and closes its mouth, creating a chattering noise used as a defensive warning.
Visual Identification: Telling Javelinas Apart from Feral Hogs
The frequent confusion between javelinas and feral hogs (wild pigs) stems from their superficial resemblance, but several clear visual markers allow for accurate differentiation.
Size and Weight
The most immediate difference is size. An adult javelina typically weighs only 35 to 60 pounds, whereas a mature feral hog can easily reach weights of 100 to over 400 pounds. Javelinas are significantly smaller, though immature hogs may be closer in size.
Tail and Ears
A second reliable difference is the tail: javelinas have a tail that is so short it is practically invisible, often appearing only as a small tuft of hair. In contrast, feral hogs possess a distinct, long, and easily visible tail. The ears also differ, with javelinas having smaller, rounded ears, while feral hogs have longer, more pointed ears.
Tusks and Coat
The most defining distinction is found in the teeth and the coat. Javelinas have tusks that are straight and point downward. Feral hogs have tusks that curve outward and often hook upward. Furthermore, the javelina is defined by its grizzled coat and the pale, distinct collar of hair around its neck, a marking that feral hogs lack entirely.