Location: North, Central and South Americas
Habitat: Desert, Grassland, and sometimes Forests
Diet: Omnivore
Characteristic: Their snouts are long, and they have a funny looking nose
Conservation: Least Concern
Javelinas, scientifically known as collared peccaries, are found in parts of North, Central, and South America. They live in places like the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. They are well adapted to desert environments, but they can also be found in grasslands and forests. They prefer areas with brush, thorny plants, and water sources. Javelinas are medium-sized animals, looking similar to wild pigs. They are about 3 feet long and stand around 2 feet tall at the shoulder. They have coarse, bristly fur that's usually dark gray or black. A distinctive white collar of fur encircles their necks.
These animals are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and small animals. Their diet includes cacti, fruits, seeds, insects, small rodents, and even the occasional snake or lizard. Javelinas have a tough skin that helps protect them from thorns and spines as they eat cacti. They also have specialized teeth for grinding tough plant material. Their keen sense of smell helps them find food, and their sharp tusks can be used for defense if threatened.
Female Javelinas usually give birth to two or three piglets, although larger litters are possible. The piglets stay with their mothers and are cared for in groups called herds. Javelinas communicate with each other using various sounds, like grunts and barks. They are social creatures and often live in groups of 6 to 20 individuals. They have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food and communicate with each other. They are active during the cooler parts of the day and night to avoid the desert heat.