Javelina, native to South America and common in central and southern Arizona, are members of the peccary family. Are they pigs? The peccary and pig families diverged around 37 million years ago. Javelina can be up to 4 ft (122cm) long and stand about 2 ft (61cm) tall. They can weigh up to 55 lbs (25kg). In the wild, they can live 7 to 12 years, but in captivity they can live up to 24 years. Javelina have a scent gland on the top of their rump that they use to mark their territory and identify each other. Squadron size ranges from five to twenty-seven animals. Litters range from one to five reds with an average litter of two. The young are born throughout the year, with a peak occurring in early summer. Newborn javelinas weigh about one pound, and they continue to grow until they reach adult height in about 10 months. Young javelinas stay very close to their mother during the first two or three months after birth. Around six to eight weeks of age the young are capable of eating solid food. Around four months of age, javelinas will have lost their red fur and fully acquired the dark brown and grey adult pelage. Reds may take milk from any nursing mother in the squadron not only the one that gave birth to it. Thanks for watching, liking, commenting, and subscribing. There are normally two litters a year and two babies per litter. Javelinas breed yearlong, and their young grow up fast: "Reds" can run within a few hours of birth; they are weaned by eight months; and they are sexually mature in under 10 months. Javelinas also eat prickly pear cactus pads, their favorite, including the sharp spines. Javelinas have tough palates that allow them to eat spiny cacti without harm. The cactus pads are an important source of water for javelinas. To prepare the cactus for eating, javelinas may stomp on the pads to flatten the spines. Thanks for watching, liking, commenting, and subscribing. Buy Me a Coffee: ($1.00 - $5.00 - ?) buymeacoffee.com/desertcrittersofarizona #javelina #collaredpeccary #peccary #tucson #arizona #trailcam #wildlife #nature #desert #southwest @desertcrittersofarizona More about Javelinas in the Catalina Foothills: Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are frequently seen in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona. These social animals often visit desert watering holes to drink, and their behavior is captured on video by trail cameras set up at these sites. Behavior and Sightings: Javelinas typically move in groups called squadrons, which can range in size from a few individuals to over twenty. These groups are usually composed of multiple generations, including adults and offspring, known as reds. The videos captured by trail cameras show javelinas visiting the watering holes to drink and sometimes engage in social behaviors like grooming or playing. Physical Capabilities: • Eyesight: Javelinas have relatively poor eyesight, relying more on other senses to navigate and find food. • Smelling Capabilities: They have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to detect predators, find food, and communicate with other javelinas. Their strong snouts help them root out food from the ground. • Hearing: Javelinas also have good hearing, which helps them stay alert to potential threats and communicate within their group. @DesertCrittersofArizona YouTube Channel Channel Overview: The YouTube channel @DesertCrittersofArizona is dedicated to showcasing the diverse wildlife of the Arizona desert, especially around the Catalina Foothills. The channel features a variety of videos highlighting different animals, including javelinas, coyotes, bobcats, quails, and more. Critter Cam Water Ponds: A significant feature of the channel is the Critter Cam Water Ponds series. This series uses four different trail cameras positioned at two side by side desert watering holes – one being cemented in the ground and the other a free standing 24” plant drip tray. These cameras capture a range of wildlife activity, providing viewers with an intimate look at animals visiting these crucial water sources. About the Owner: The channel's owner is a former professional photographer and wildlife enthusiast. Popular Javelina Videos: Some popular videos featuring javelinas on the @DesertCrittersofArizona channel include: • Javelina Squadron at Watering Hole: Shows a group of javelinas, including adults and reds, drinking from the watering hole and interacting with each other. • Javelina Family at Dusk: Captures a javelina family visiting the watering hole during the evening, highlighting their social structure and behavior. • Javelina Encounters: Features various encounters between javelinas and other wildlife at the watering hole, showcasing their interactions and adaptability. These videos provide viewers with a captivating look at the lives of javelinas and other desert animals, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Arizona's natural heritage.