Polaroid of the Week: Encountering a Javelina Skunk Pig in the Tucson Desert
We've returned to Tucson, Arizona, for the third time since falling in love with Southern Arizona's stunning desert landscapes during our first housesitting stay in 2010. We came back in 2011 and now in 2013, lured by sweet Miss Millie the dog, the beautiful home, and poolside relaxation.
On one of our first days here, Miss Millie barked loudly—a rarity for her. Peering out the front door window, I spotted an unusual pig-like creature staring back. Far from aggressive, it sauntered to inspect a cactus in the yard, giving me time to grab my camera and step outside safely.
Opening the door revealed a much larger pig rummaging in the bushes. It sprinted across the street, showcasing its impressive size. The smaller one, unfazed by me, munched on fallen cactus fruit as I snapped photos.
These are javelinas, known as skunk pigs. Peccaries related to pigs, they weigh up to 90 pounds and range from the southwestern U.S. to South America. We'd seen them at the Desert Museum years ago, but this was our first backyard sighting in Tucson. Locals shrugged—accustomed to tarantulas, scorpions, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and more.
We find these skunk pigs fascinating. They travel in bands of 8 to 15, so we're glad to meet just two. Fingers crossed we avoid larger groups on our planned canyon hikes!
