Five javelina lurking by picnic table charge woman walking dog, Arizona officials say

Five javelina were lurking near a picnic table at an Arizona park when they spotted a 64-year-old woman walking her dog, wildlife officials said.

The wild animals then charged at them at about 4:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Madera Park, according to Arizona Game & Fish Department in Tucson.

The pig-like creatures knocked over the woman, and one bit her ankle and arm, the agency’s spokesperson, Mart Hart, told McClatchy News by email.

“(It’s) unclear how the attack unfolded, or which javelina was the biter,” Hart said.

She was taken to the Tucson Medical Center for her injuries, officials said, and has since been released.

What’s a javelina?

At first glance, a javelina appears to look like a pig or wild boar, but the animal belongs to the peccary family — “a group of hoofed mammals originating from South America,” according to Arizona Game & Fish.

Javelinas weigh about 40 to 60 pounds and have salt and pepper coloring when they become adults, wildlife officials said.

The animal’s pig-like nose gives it a “great sense of smell,” but they have poor eyesight, according to Arizona State Parks & Trails.

Their poor eyesight may make them appear to be charging when they are just trying to escape, wildlife officials said.

In addition to living in Arizona, these “hoofed raiders of the night” are also found in Texas, New Mexico, Mexico and Argentina.

Do javelinas attack often?

In Tucson, people with dogs are attacked by javelinas every three to six months because the animal may think the dog is a coyote, Hart previously told McClatchy News.

The best thing to do if you encounter a javelina while dog walking is to turn around, Hart said.

If a javelina begins to charge, you should pick up smaller dogs and make noise by throwing objects, or wave your arms, Hart said.

Fight back or kick the animal if it begins attacking, he said.

“Avoid getting between a javelina and dog, which is how most bites happen,” Hart said.

Hart also said to keep garbage in an enclosed area until pickup day and to pick up any fallen tree fruit, spilled bird seed and leftover pet food outside.

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