TUCSON, Ariz. — A woman in the Tucson area was injured on Thursday after being bitten by a javelina, according to wildlife officials.
Arizona Game and Fish Department said the 64-year-old woman suffered bites on her ankle and upper arm. She was treated at a local medical center and released. The incident happened in Madera Park.
AZGFD said five javelinas were involved in the incident.
Javelinas are scared of dogs because they can't distinguish between a dog and a coyote, with coyotes often preying on them, according to AZGFD. Officials recommend that if you see a javelina while out, go the opposite direction to avoid the encounter.
There have been several reported javelina bites in Arizona in recent months.
In November 2023, a woman was bitten while illegally feeding one of the animals.
On Jan. 2, another encounter occurred in Pearce, southeast of Tucson. A woman was bitten while walking her dog. The dog and a group of javelinas got into a fight and the woman tried to break it up.
On Jan. 10, AZGFD reported on another bite from a javelina. A 42-year-old woman was bitten on the foot when she "tried hazing the javelina away from her dogs," AZGFD said.
Are javelinas aggressive?
Javelinas are not intentionally dangerous but it is still not smart to try and get close to one. Their poor eyesight when escaping a potential threat can make them seem as if they are charging but they really just can't see well, according to officials with Arizona State Parks and Trails. They will exhibit aggressive behavior if cornered or if their young are threatened, officials said.
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