Javilina

Javilina are part of the wild life that you will see at Saguaro Buttes. As we are located next to Saguaro National Park in Southern Arizona, we have quite a few Javilina visit us in herds of usually 8 to 12. This picture was taken on November 21, 2009 about 8:30 AM. Here is some information about Javilina that is provided by Wikipedia. “Javilina 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. Javilina are omnivores, and will eat small animals, although their preferred food consists of roots, grass, seeds, and fruit. By rubbing the tusks together they can make a chattering noise that warns potential predators not to get too close. Javilina are social animals, and often form herds. Over 100 individuals have been recorded for a single herd. Peccaries have scent glands below each eye and another on their back, though these are believed to be rudimentary in Pecari maximus. They use the scent to mark herd territories, which range from 75 to 700 acres.”