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Javelinas (are not) Wild Pigs

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They're not pigs, they're not hogs, they're peccaries

People often think of Javelinas as wild pigs or hogs, but they're neither. Javelinas or peccaries are medium-sized animals, with a strong superficial resemblance to pigs. Like pigs, they have a snout ending in a cartilagenous disc, and eyes that are small relative to their head. Also like pigs, they use only the middle two digits for walking, although, unlike pigs, the other toes may be altogether absent. Their stomach is non-ruminating, although it has three chambers, and is more complex than that of pigs.

Peccaries are omnivores, and will eat small animals, although their preferred food consists of roots, grass, seeds, and fruit. One of the ways to tell apart pigs and peccaries is the shape of the canine tooth, or tusk. In European pigs the tusk is long and curves around on itself, whereas in peccaries, the tusk is short and straight. The jaws and tusks of peccaries are adapted for crushing hard seeds and slicing into plant roots, and they also use their tusks for defense.

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The Goods on Javelinas

From DesertUSA

What we have around here is the collared peccary.

Collared Peccary is the only wild, native, pig-like animal found in the United States.
Weight: 35-60 lbs.
Length with tail: 40-60"
Shoulder Height: 20-24"
Sexual Maturity: 2 years
Mating Season: year round
Gestation Period: 140-150days
No. of Young: 1-3, 2 avg.
Birth Interval: 1 year
Lifespan: 10 years in the wild
They stink! They exude a musk-like odor. You'll often smell 'em before you see 'em.
Typical diet: agaves and prickly pears
They have poor eyesight and good hearing.
The Collared Peccary is also known as the Javelina, Tayaussa or the Musk Hog.

Caution! Javelina Crossing!

Behavior and Habitat

Cute 'n Stinky 'n Scary all at the same time.

Peccaries usually travel in a band from 6 to 12 although as many as 50 have been seen together. They are most active during early morning and evening when it is cooler. Members eat, sleep, and forage together. The exceptions are the old and infirm, who prefer to die in solitude. Herds have a characteristic linear dominance hierarchy, wherein a male is always dominant and the remainder of the order is largely determined by size.

Peccaries tend to remain near permanent sources of water. Unlike Coyotes and Bobcats, Peccaries are unable to evaporate moisture through panting to prevent overheating. During the fierce heat of midday, Peccaries bed down in the shade and forage where it's cooler.

Territories are defended by the rubbing of the rump oil gland against rocks, tree trunks and stumps. Collared Peccaries fend off adversaries by squaring off, laying back their ears, and clattering their canines. In fight, they charge head on, bite, and occasionally lock jaws.

In the southern United States, herds occur in Saguaro deserts, where they prefer mesquite habitats with an abundance of prickly pear cacti.They also occur in semi-desert canyons, cliffs and watering holes near cacti, chaparral and oak.

Peccaries are not dangerous when left alone but an entire band can attack if one is wounded or pursued. Speedy and agile, they can drive off dogs, Coyotes and Bobcats.

Like bears and other mammals, they lose fear of humans when fed by humans. Will rummage around campsites like raccoons and are becoming an urban menace.

To observe, watch for feeding areas of cactus and succulents in open range of grasslands or slopes during cooler hours of the day. Use minimal sound and disturbance. View against the wind. Be patient. Javelina are slow-moving, casual animals unless frightened or threatened.

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Sep 10, 2010 @ 9:11 am | delete

Wow!
I like your lens, very useful and inspiring. thank you.
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familychristianmedia Oct 28, 2008 @ 8:29 pm | delete

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sisterra Aug 16, 2008 @ 6:10 pm | delete

Very interesting!!

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kiwisoutback Aug 12, 2008 @ 6:52 am | delete

Very cool. I haven't seen one of these animals, but I'd love to next time I visit the southwest. Great work!