Javelinas By Lauray Yule

Grunting and grumbling, something scuffles through the desert. A pungent smell hangs in the air. Is it a pig? A hog? A wildebeest? No. Its a collared peccary, better known as a javelina. While most humans never see a javelina, they fascinate and occasionally annoy Western visitors and residents alike. Roots, prickly pear cactus, garden flowers and garbage are equally attractive to these omnivorous beasts. In spite of their bristly pelts and razor-sharp teeth, javelinas are quiet and family-oriented animals and are very tolerant of their frisky piglings.