**Javelinas** (*Pecari tajacu*), also known as **Collared Peccaries**, are medium-sized, hoofed mammals native to the Americas. Although they resemble wild pigs, they belong to their own family (Tayassuidae). They are highly social, living in small herds, and are omnivores that rely heavily on desert succulents like prickly pear cactus. They are an increasing nuisance in the arid southwestern U.S. when they invade suburban areas, rooting up lawns, destroying gardens, and potentially threatening pets and small children when their herd is cornered or defending young.
Taxonomy and Classification
Javelinas belong to the order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). They are highly distinctive from true pigs: they have only three functional toes on the hind feet, and their canine tusks point straight down, not curving upward. They are primarily diurnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), and they communicate using a pungent, musky scent gland on their back, used for marking territory and group recognition.
Physical Description
Javelinas are compact, pig-like animals, standing 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 35 to 60 pounds.
- **Appearance:** Coarse, grayish-black hair with a distinctive band of lighter, whitish hair around the neck (the “collar”).
- **Smell:** Possess a strong, musky odor from their dorsal scent gland.
- **Teeth:** Have sharp canine tusks.
- **Damage Sign (Key ID):** The most common sign is extensive, shallow **rooting and digging** in lawns, flower beds, and golf courses, especially during dry periods when they seek insects, bulbs, or tender roots. Also, damage to succulents, like prickly pear and agave, where chunks of the pads or leaves are cleanly bitten off.
Distribution and Habitat
Javelinas are found from the southwestern U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) south to Argentina. Their habitat is arid brushland, desert scrub, and canyons. They are highly adaptable and have moved into urban and suburban environments due to available food sources (ornamentals, gardens) and permanent water.
Behavior and Conflict
Javelinas are conflict pests primarily due to their feeding and their defensive nature.
- **Feeding Damage:** They are highly destructive in gardens and landscapes, consuming bulbs, flowers, ornamental plants, and, critically, they tear up lawns to root for grubs, insects, and tender roots.
- **Aggression:** They are not inherently aggressive but will defend themselves, their young, or a food source fiercely. Pets (dogs) are frequently attacked and injured by Javelinas who feel threatened.
- **Water Dependence:** In dry areas, they are heavily attracted to lawns and gardens that are irrigated, viewing them as essential watering holes and feeding grounds.
Management and Prevention
Control is focused on exclusion and making properties unattractive to them.
- Fencing must be low enough to prevent tunneling underneath but strong enough to withstand their pushing. A **low, strong fence** (metal or chain-link) is often necessary for garden protection.
- Use **cages or wire mesh** to protect high-value plants or succulents.
- **Never feed Javelinas.** Secure all garbage cans. Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside.
- Eliminate standing water sources. Reduce irrigation on lawns to only the minimum necessary.
Conservation and Research
Javelinas are managed as protected native wildlife in many states. Research focuses on understanding urban-wildlife conflict dynamics, improving non-lethal deterrent methods, and mitigating their impact on fragile riparian ecosystems.