Collared Peccary (Javelina)
(Tayassu tajacu)

The Collared Peccary Javelina is a pig like animal that resembles a razorback hog, but has a heavier neck and shoulders. It is a grizzled gray in color with a whitish to yellowish collar from shoulder to shoulder and is covered in heavy bristly hair that can stand up in a mane. Its snout is used to root for food and its straight canines for fighting off enemies. This animal has poor eyesight and only fair hearing, therefore it relies on its good sense of smell to alert it to enemies. Its alarm call is a barking cough or a clacking of the teeth, and it will squeal if injured or terrified. . It will run from danger if it can, but will defend itself fiercely if cornered.

A scent gland on its hindquarters gives off a mild, skunky scent, which helps to keep the herd of 6 to 30 javelinas together. The young are protected by all members of the herd.

Collared Peccary Javelinas are found in deserts, rocky canyons and brush land, ranging in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon, and take shelter under a bush or boulder during the midday heat.