Local opinion: In praise, and defense, of javelinas

My wife and I moved to Arizona in 2019, and as former Illinois residents, we had great anticipation for our new experiences with the native wildlife of our new home.

We were already fans of javelinas (naming our fused-glass art practice "The Happy Javelina") and had great anticipation for seeing these curious animals in their native habitat.

They never have ceased to amaze and delight us, even when they were "naughty!" However, some of our new (human) neighbors surprised us, one of them saying, "they smelled like trash!" and another putting a garden hose on several javelinas when they were munching on her shrubbery, which obviously terrified the poor animals. Since I am a biologist, I set out to learn all I could about these fascinating animals, their lifestyles and habits.

One of the first things I discovered is that, in our neighborhoods, they are considered "synanthropic" animals, meaning that they are highly adapted to living among humans and our environs. Our neighborhoods provide them with food, water, shelter, and most importantly, protection against their main predator, the coyote. We've seen them on front porches seeking Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns, in open garages going through boxes of papers, and in the washes and open areas around our home. I've always found them to be respectful of humans and our space, and they seem to know when they are misbehaving. They are extremely intelligent and perceptive.

Having witnessed squadrons of javelina with their babies, I am also very impressed at their parenting skills and intense protection of their young. Watching the family interactions of these animals up close is a real joy for a biologist like me.

Sadly, not every Arizona resident seems to share our warm opinion of these fine animals. A javelina was recently shot and killed in a Tucson commercial district, an act that highlights the fact that some of us consider them more as pests or targets than the marvels they are. Therefore, my wife and I sincerely request that everyone accept these animals for the blessing that they represent, and not live in fear of them.

Their impressive tusks are solely defensive in nature, and they would prefer to run away from humans and our dogs rather than engage with us. If they are eating our garden plants, it is because we are displacing them and their native habitat with our urban sprawl and continuous development. Instead of spraying them with dilute ammonia, as suggested by Arizona Game and Fish, try banging on a pan with a spoon. They will nearly always run away from clatter.

These animals are truly a special gift to Arizonans. Please think of them that way.

Charles Stack is a board-certified environmental scientist and STEM teacher in biology in Arizona.

Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.