FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Javelina at Flat Iron (was: fire....)

[gene lucas <geneluca@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My opinion is that Javelinas (which are collared peccaries, not in the 
pig family) are really big cowards at heart.  We frequently get them 
rummaging around at night out here in Fountain Hills.  They have learned 
the trick of tipping over the garbage cans on garbage pickup days -- 
they seem to know the route and the dates.... When confronted, they will 
retreat from a flashlight -- they don't like bright lights.  They 
usually travel in family groups or packs, and the larger, older adults 
will stand their ground and snort while the rest of the pack scurries 
off (in a different direction).  The little ones stay tucked in close to 
the legs of the bigger ones. They are truly hard to spot in the bushes 
at night, as their dark grey fur blends right in with the colorless 
foliage, except for their reflective eyes.   They don't seem to be 
afraid of anyone or anything, though.  The bigger adults are about the 
size of a large collie dog.  The males of course show impressive tusks.  
They do smell pretty strong, too.  I doubt they will charge at a human 
unless provoked.  Just clap your hands, holler and make some noise, and 
shine your flashlight in their eyes and they will >probably< run off.  
They make all sorts of intiminating noises rooting around in the dirt 
(or knocking over garbage cans!) for whatever it is they find to eat.  A 
tough way to make a living in the wild, I think!
More info here:
http://www.desertusa.com/magnov97/nov_pap/du_collpecc.html
http://helios.bto.ed.ac.uk/bto/desbiome/javelina.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/javelina.htm

Check out this story by Ace Astrophotographer and Photon Hunter Jerry 
Lodriguss about his encounter in the dark:
http://www.astropix.com/HTML/L_STORY/GUN.HTM

Smithsonian Magazine indicates they can be dangerous and will bite when 
provoked:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian/issues99/aug99/javelina.html

This web page by hunting advocates reports several attacks by javelinas, 
but I note that nearly all the reports include the presence of dogs, 
which of course the javelina would likely consider threatening....
http://www.javelinahunter.com/javelina_attack.htm
I am shocked that someone seems to think they need to carry a handgun 
while walking in Fountain Hills -- I would be more afraid of 
encountering a human with "deadly force" on their mind in the dark than 
a javelina!
 
Gene Lucas
(17250)
Andrew Goodwin wrote:
 >>I kept hearing some rustling in near the tree. I turned on my 
flashlight and several green eyes appeared. Myself and them were all 
startled and they ran off. A pack of havaleenas (sp)! I did not expect 
to see them as they have a keen sent of smell.<<

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