Spot a javelina on your path? Here's what to do

Ellie Willard, Arizona Republic
·4 min read
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Earlier this month, a 58-year-old dog walker was treated for a broken leg after being blindsided and charged by a javelina in Tucson.

The Tucson resident was treated and released, but this attack is not the first of its kind, with charging javelinas being reported all across Arizona.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, javelinas may become defensive when they hear or smell a dog causing the javelina to attack. However, due to poor eyesight, it may not have known who to charge at.

Javelinas are the most reported wildlife sighted in Tucson, especially outside areas, and "it's very routine" to run into this creature while out walking, according to Mark Hart, spokesperson from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

"If there is any kind of attractants, food, water, shelter, it'll tend to draw javelinas, which is why feeding wildlife is illegal," Hart said.

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Hart stressed the importance of not feeding wild animals because it would allow them to get "habituated to the presence of people," which can increase the potential for injury.

Regardless of the species, Hart said it is always a good response to make a lot of noise if you see a wild animal near you, especially a javelina.

"They don't see very well, but they have a keen sense of smell, so they'll start moving towards you not because they perceive you as a threat," said Hart, regarding javelinas. "Loudly clapping on your hands is a good way to deter them."

Hart said that keeping your distance is always good measure as well.

Here is some more information from the Arizona Game and Fish Department on how to respond if you see a javelina.

What are javelinas?

Although javelinas look like wild pigs, most Arizonans would know the 40- to 60-pound creatures are actually members of the peccary family, which is a group of hoofed mammals originating from South America. They are commonly located in much of central and southern Arizona, including the outskirts of the Phoenix metro area, most of Tucson, and as far north as Flagstaff.

Javelina form herds of two to more than 20 and rely on each other to defend territory, protect against predators, regulate temperature and interact socially. They travel along washes and areas with dense vegetation.

Their main food source is primarily plants along with garbage, beans and seeds. They are dependent on a water source and will tend to stay near one at all times. The approximately 19-inch-tall creatures have a keen sense of smell but poor eyesight, and may appear to be charging while attempting to escape.

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What should I do if I see a javelina?

Javelinas are not uncommon in urban areas and are found especially on trail paths, near washes, or in the natural desert. They'll usually stop by an area to eat a few plants and give people a quick surprise but are not much of a real threat. Javelinas occasionally bite humans, but incidents of bites are almost always associated with people attempting to provide them food.

Javelinas can inflict serious wounds and cause injuries. Defensive javelina behavior may include charging, teeth clacking, or a barking, growling sound. They may act this way when cornered to protect their young, or when they hear or smell a dog. Dogs and coyotes are natural predators of javelina, and they can seriously hurt or kill each other.

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How do you discourage a javelina?

  • Scare off animals by making loud noises (bang pots, yell, stomp on the floor, etc.); throwing small rocks in their direction; or spraying with vinegar or water from a garden hose.

  • If the animal is confined, open a gate, have all people leave the area, and allow it to leave on its own. If it is still there the following day, contact a wildlife control business or the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

  • If you see a javelina while walking your dog, avoid going near the javelina and quickly take your dog in a different direction.

  • If a javelina is acting aggressively toward people, has attacked someone, or is contained, please call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7201 for immediate help.

What else can you do?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department stresses that you do not feed javelinas, as this will make them become regular visitors and decrease their fear of people. This can only cause further problems for humans and the animal.

Along with that, only feed pets inside or as much as they can eat at one time. Do not allow birdseed to fall to the ground and store any other pet food inside the house. Pick up fallen nuts and fruits as quickly as possible, as javelinas will come into neighborhoods or backyards for these food sources.

Keep water sources behind fences and secure garbage cans and bags.

Keep dogs on a leash or inside fenced yards to prevent defensive attacks.

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Reach breaking news reporter Ellie Willard at ellie.willard@gannett.com or on Twitter @EllieWillardAZ.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to do if you see a javelina in Arizona?