Collared Peccary

A Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu), commonly known as a Javalina, rooting for morsels in the shade of a Palo Verde tree (Cercidium, but not sure about the species). Note the distinct white collar around the neck. They're social animals traveling in herds of up to a hundred animals. They are very timid, have a great sense of smell, and rather poor eyesight. They will hear and smell danger before they actually see it, if they ever see it.

I've seen them get spooked and run away from danger only to barrel head-first into some object, in this case a large Oleander bush. Stories about them charging people are actually incidents where people were standing in their chosen escape path. I've had an entire herd, pass beneath my feet while I sat on a split-rail fence, not realizing I was there because they couldn't see nor smell me (I was down-wind from them).

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