Peccaries (Javelina) are medium-sized animals, with a strong superficial resemblance to pigs. Like pigs, they have a snout ending in a cartilagenous disc, and eyes that are small relative to their head. Also like pigs, they use only the middle two digits for walking, although, unlike pigs, the other toes may be altogether absent. Their stomach is non-ruminating, although it has three chambers, and is more complex than that of pigs.
Peccaries are omnivores, and will eat small animals, although their preferred food consists of roots, grass, seeds, and fruit. One of the ways to tell apart pigs and peccaries is the shape of the canine tooth, or tusk. In European pigs the tusk is long and curves around on itself, whereas in peccaries, the tusk is short and straight. The jaws and tusks of peccaries are adapted for crushing hard seeds and slicing into plant roots, and they also use their tusks for defense.
By rubbing the tusks together they can make a chattering noise that warns potential predators not to get too close. Peccaries, indeed, are aggressive enough in temperament that, unlike Eurasian pigs, they cannot be domesticated as they are likely to injure humans and pets.
This poor pet was gored and attacked in the neck by a javelina. Although poor of sight, the javelina have a strong sense of smell and can run quickly. Most dogs are attacked trying to protect their territory, owner or just want to have fun. Unfortunately, it turns out to be dangerous fun.
The first dog was bitten in the back by a javelina. As you can see it literally ripped the skin from the back.
The second pet was doing the right thing by running away, unfortunately, javelinas are fast and this pet was gored in the behind.
