"Javelina Encounter: Safety Tips for Hikers"

Javelinas, also known as peccary, are piglike animals found in the southern deserts of the United States, Central and South America, and Trinidad. They are smaller than wild boars, have no noticeable tail, and possess a white band of hair around their shoulder. While encounters with javelinas are generally not dangerous, it is important to treat them as wild animals and avoid feeding them. If hiking with a dog, keep it on a leash as javelinas may mistake it for a predator. If approached by javelinas, make noise and throw small objects to deter them.