MIAMI, Arizona — A resident of Miami, Arizona who was feeding a javelina was bitten by the animal, according to Arizona Game and Fish Department officials. The resident was treated at an urgent care center and released and was recommended to get treatment for rabies by wildlife officials.
Arizona has had three wildlife attacks due to illegal feeding since Oct. 26, AZGFD officials said. One was deadly.
A second javelina attack happened on Nov. 16 in Tucson, according to officials. A 40-year-old woman from Seattle was bitten though officials do not believe she was attempting to feed the animals. Still, others feeding wildlife can place everyone in the area in danger as the animals can become used to humans and associate them with food.
"Feeding, attracting, or enticing wildlife (except birds and tree squirrels) is illegal in Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties. Violations can result in up to a $300 fine," according to the AZGFD.
Residents can report anyone feeding wildlife to 800-352-0700.
It was Oct. 26 when a woman died after being attacked by an elk near her home in the Pine Lake community in the Hualapai Mountains, according to Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.
Officials believe this is the first deadly elk attack in the state of Arizona.
The woman was found by her husband with "injuries consistent with being trampled by an elk," officials with AZGFD said. He told officials when he found her, there was a bucket of spilled corn nearby.
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 cant 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.
