Javelina

Question

Will we see javelina when hiking around Sedona? What should we know about them?

Answer

Javelina, also known as collared peccaries, are fairly common in the desert and canyons around Sedona. While they are more often active at dawn and dusk, it is possible to encounter them during daytime hikes, especially in quieter or less-trafficked areas.

Here’s what you should know about javelina when hiking in Sedona:

Javelina travel in groups called herds, usually 6-12 animals, but occasionally larger groups can be seen.
They are generally shy and will move away if they detect humans, but they can feel threatened if cornered or if you get between a mother and her young.
Do not attempt to feed javelina. Feeding can lead to aggressive behavior and habituates them to humans, which is unsafe.
Keep a safe distance. If you encounter a herd, give them space and quietly back away. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them.
They may show curiosity and approach lightly, but never try to touch or chase them. They have sharp tusks that can cause injury if they feel threatened.
Be mindful of your pets. Javelina may see small dogs as threats, so keep pets leashed and under control.

Other helpful notes:

Javelina leave tracks and droppings that are easy to spot along trails, so you may notice signs of their presence even if you don’t see them directly.
They eat cacti, fruit, and other desert vegetation, and they often roam trails in search of food.
Hiking early or late in the day increases your chances of seeing them, as these are their most active periods.

In summary, while encounters are possible, javelina are not usually aggressive if respected. Observing them from a distance can be a fun wildlife experience without impacting your safety or theirs.

Javelina

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