The javelina, AKA collared peccary, is really in it's own classification. It has pig-like characteristics, but there are some anatomical differences that set them apart. It's actually an entirely separate genus.
Wild hogs are non-native species, introduced to the country first by explorers, later by farmers, and still again by hunters. They are primarily feral descendents of regular old farm pigs, although there are some strains mixed with the european wild boar which were imported for hunting preserves.
I could offer the whole biology lesson, but this probably answers your question.
Those Javelinas sure are curious. We were calling yotes a week ago friday
north of Tucson, and damn if they (Jave's)didn't come charging in. At about
25 feet I found hair in my scope and the 22-250 55grain V-Max dropped it
where it stood. Marinate with seasoning and add the BBQ, excellent.
Hey John K, I think the "Rodent" you're thinking of may be the Capybara...they come from South America and look like a Giant, Guinea Pig! They're about 4 ft. long and weigh about 80 lbs. Camp Pendleton Marine Base, in San Diego county had a real problem with them about 15 yrs. ago when some that had been pets, were released (and they breed like guinea pigs,too) and started eating all the crops on a huge parcel of land that the Base leased to a Japanese Farming Operation! These things are used to a Jungle/Rain Forest type environment, so Camp P. was just like home, and I'm not sure just how they got that situation under control, but when "I" was there...it was givin'em fits!
Sgohuntn-
Did you say you shot a javelina a week ago last friday with a 22-250 while calling coyotes?
What unit were you hunting? When did the season start for the unit you were in? I though all general season(rifle) started last friday. I know the unit I was in just north of Tucson started last friday Feb 20th. Just wondering.
Also be carful in AZ. They might have changed the rules but a few years back you can not use a centerfire weapon to hunt other game unless you are a tag holder in a unit with a elk or javalina season is in progress. Was a way to prevent buddy hunting and poaching during the season. So in theory no rifle(except 22)varmint hunting during an elk or javelina season unless you are hunting that animal. Never been checked though for this by a warden.
From all I have read or heard, javelina are not native to CA or ever have been there. It appears the CO river is a obstacle. Also the deserts in socal are sparsely vegitated compared to where most javelina are found in AZ. So maybe the environment is not suitable for them. Don't know the exact scientific answer but these are reasons I ahve heard.
Historically they haven't moved into AZ, NM, TX until the past couple hundred years. There has never been any javelina bones unearthed in archeological sites form hundreds of years ago. Javelina appear to be expanding their range. I have seen them north of Williams AZ in the snow even. And had friends spot them east of Flagstaff. Though they usually are not in cold climates. They have little warm fur and fat, so they are normally found in warmer areas.
Javelina and pigs are members of the same order artiodactyla, suborder suiformes. But are in seperate families. pigs are in the suidae family and javelina are in the tayassuidae family.
Javelina are collared peccory - tayassu tajacu
Pigs did not appear in the united states area until the 1700's. since they have no under fur, their range is limited by climate.
I knew some of this stuff but most of the info I listed here is from the info booklet that came with the javelina call my brother got me for xmas. This info is also listed on the webiste javelinahunter.com that heldog listed.
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