A comparison of a native game animal compared to a well established exotic import from Europe and Asia.

Story and photography Bob Zaiglin

One of the most unique, yet oftentimes overlooked species in Texas is the collared peccary or javelina (peccary tajacu).  The javelina occurs in the western portion of the state and throughout the brush country of South Texas.  They are sometimes confused for pigs, which they are not.  They have snouts similar to a feral pig, and at a distance can be confused for a young pig, but there are a number of differences that separate the two species.

The grizzled, lacquer-black and gray hide of the javelina is accented by an ostentatious white band of coarse hair that encircles its neck.  They also have a prominent mane composed of dark hair extending over the back from head to tail.  When frightened or aggressive, the mane will become erect, making the animal appear more dangerous than it actually is.  When threatened or suddenly startled, javelina will open their mouths widely and pop their teeth, which is intimidating to their adversaries.

An adult javelina will weigh around 55 pounds, stand 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder, and body length of three feet.  A feral adult pig can weigh upwards of 200 pounds, and appear to have a chunky body, whereas the javelina appears physically fit.

I hear stories of javelina and human skirmishes, but I have never had one attack me, and I have been around a lot of them.  Now this is not to say that they are never aggressive, because they can be when suddenly disturbed.

A considerable amount of my time is spent filming deer in both South Texas and Mexico.  While doing so, I set up in rather tight quarters to avoid being detected by the animals I intend to film.  As a result, I am always around javelina popping teeth and grunting within a few feet of me.  Now this doesn’t mean they would never attack, but even when they look and sound like they are about to, their inherent desire is to avoid man.

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