A herd of Javelina wandered through the area beyond our patio, hanging out for several minutes. They ranged from what looked like practically a newborn to some very mature looking ones. I was glad I wasn't out walking a trail alone and could take photos from the protection of the surrounding adobe wall.
@pusspup Not dangerous to humans, but definitely to dogs. Apparently here, the coyotes are their enemies and so when they see a dog, they assume it's dangerous to them and will attack. BUT, I still find them intimidating and wouldn't want to encounter even one when alone!
I saw this photo first and strongly suspected "Tucson"! We have school friends living in the desert near Sassaby, and they would get the javelina coming to the garage if it was open! My friend, Toni, would toss them apples... I loved seeing them up close like that, but boy do they have a gamey smell! Your photo of the two is wonderful! (At the zoo I mentioned, they had one of these named, Gregory Peccary! Back in the 60s people still knew what that meant!) (Tubac used to be a wonderful artist's town... and 4th Avenue... and don't miss San Javier Mission...and climb the hill for a photo, too!)
I had not heard of these either but I do know there are problems worldwide with wild pigs/hogs which they look a lot alike. Good shot and I too would keep my distance from them.
@olivetreeann@pamknowler@jeremyccc Taffy got a good photo to share as it seems a lot of people aren't familiar with them! They don't continue to get too big, and they're native to the Sonoran Desert in Mexico and southern Arizona. One needn't be "afraid" of them, but show them respect, most especially if they have babies (which are adorable little miniatures!) @will_wooderson You've got the right idea about them! It was always fun to come across them wandering in their desert habitat!
