Peccary / Javelina

Peccary / Javelina : Living in Close Knit Groups

Fierce and tenacious, Peccary was called by the Spanish: “Javelina” - the spear. This New World Relative of the Pig has tusks that grow downwards like daggers. Her canine teeth are normally used for cutting and slashing. However, when confronted, Peccary will click her teeth and charge.

Small and compact, Peccary has a grizzled brown body with a band of white hair. Mistaken for Pig by Europeans, She is a member of the Tayassuidae (Peccary) Family instead of the Suidae (Pig) Family. Unlike Pigs, Peccary has four hoofed toes on her front feet and three on her back ones.

What Peccary is known for is her musk smell. Also called “Musk Hog”, wherever She goes, She leaves a musk trail. Peccary also sniffs musk left behind to find out what her Friends are doing. Leaving musk everywhere is her form of “text messaging.” Even when They greet Each Other, Peccaries will sniff the Other’s rump.

Highly social, Peccary travels with her herd through the deserts and rainforests of the New World. The Tupi of Brazil called Her, “Pecary” meaning “many paths through the woods.” With her herd, Peccary ranges far and wide for food.

Living in a close knit group, Peccary safely roams her vast territory. Her Herd can even fends off Jaguar and Coyote. However, do not become so close knit that you drive off your own family members away as Peccary does.

Wisdom of the Peccary:
Keeping in Touch
Many Paths to Your Destination
Being Fierce and Tenacious

Science Notes:
Other names for Peccary: Musk Pig, Javelina. DO NOT Feed Peccaries or you will be attacked.

Razorbacks (Hogs) are feral pigs that escaped from the Spanish.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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