J day is here, dear readers, and we’re going to talk about….Javelinas!
Javelinas can be found in the southwestern area of the United States, and throughout Central and South America. They usually measure between 3- 4.3 ft. in length, and a full-grown adult will usually weighs between 44 to 88 lbs. They’re social animals, and usually travel in herds. Javelinas also STINK, which is the reason they have the nickname of “skunk pig”. The stench is due to scent glands they use to mark their territory, as well as other members of their herds. Why do they mark other members of their herd? Because javelinas have really bad eyesight!
Speaking of territory, these critters are very territorial, and aggressive. They aren’t able to be domesticated, and will attack humans if you get too close to their herds (especially if they have babies with them). I’ve never seen them in the wild, but some of my friends have and they’ve been chased into their homes by these little members of the peccary family
Javelinas are omnivores, and while their food of choice consists of roots, grass, seeds, and cacti—especially prickly pear cacti, they will eat small animals. So if you go hiking with your pet in the areas where you know there are javelina herds, make sure you keep your pet on a leash and an eye out for javelinas!
Happy trails! 🙂
Along the way with Julia 
Apr 11, 2014 @ 15:17:51
We don’t have those where I live. How fascinating! Loved visiting your blog, and I was so interested to read your “D” piece as well and check out Fictioners, which I had never heard of. Coincidentally, I’m using A to Z to create a photo based writing prompt, and then writing a snippet of fiction to go with it. It’s been so much fun! Maybe Friday Fictioners would be a good way to keep it up after April…
Apr 15, 2014 @ 01:51:36
Friday Fictioneers would be a wonderful way to keep it up after April! Thank you so much for stopping by. 😀
Apr 13, 2014 @ 14:13:02
This is very interesting as I had lived in their territory, Southern Arizona, for a few years. A few would run up the street to our garage, and we never understood why they would bypass the other houses on their way. We only rented the house, so we think the previous renters had had something in the garage. I like the sound of the word Javelina, though. It’s just as unique as saying Saguaro. ;D
Apr 15, 2014 @ 01:50:51
I love saying both words! I have to wonder what the previous renters stored in the garage….
Apr 13, 2014 @ 22:17:21
That is one strange-looking creature!
Visiting from the A to Z Challenge signup page. Great to meet you!
Stephanie Faris, author
30 Days of No Gossip
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
Apr 15, 2014 @ 01:49:39
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Apr 14, 2014 @ 08:50:44
My Mother lives in a mobile home park in Arizona. The javelinas are often seen throughout. I have yet to see one.
Apr 15, 2014 @ 01:49:12
I’ve lived down here in the valley since 1991, and haven’t seen one in the wild yet. 😦
Apr 14, 2014 @ 19:16:26
What an interesting animal. If I ever go hiking in their area, I will watch out for them.
Dropping by from the A to Z Challenge.
Apr 15, 2014 @ 01:48:38
Thank you!