Arizona Desert Javelina

Javelina are often mistaken for pigs. It makes sense since they have snout-like noses, long canine teeth, and short legs. But they’re not that closely related! Javelinas and pigs had a common ancestor, but javelinas live in the Western Hemisphere, whereas pigs inhabit the Eastern Hemisphere. Javelinas and pigs have been separated for almost 40 million years of evolution! They are also known as the collared peccary because of the lighter ring of hair around their neck & shoulders. Peccaries can live in large family groups, though young males sometimes travel around on their own.