The Arizona Sonora desert is a remarkable ecosystem. There are many plants and animals that are unique to this area of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. The Desert Museum in Tucson provides an excellent display of the plants and animals that live in this beautiful desert.
Some of these include the stately Saguaro Cactus and the tenacious desert Tortoise. One of the creatures that may not be as well-known is the Javelina. This wild pig is actually found in various places around the world and they are well known in the Sonoran Desert. They are larger than most pigs weighing up to 80 pounds and four feet high. They can be aggressive and should be treated with caution.
You might expect to see a Javelina in the wild but you wouldn’t expect to see one on your doorstep. On a recent visit to Arizona I had an unexpected encounter with a wild Javelina. I was walking on a sidewalk in our condo complex when I heard a noise behind me. I thought someone was walking up but when I turned to look I saw a Javelina less than ten feet away. He did not appear to be threatening but I wasn’t sure what his intentions were. I slowly backed away to give my furry friend a clear path and stepped through the door. I told my wife about my encounter and we stepped out on our enclosed patio so she could see the Javelina for herself and to take a few pictures.
We decided to call the local police to alert them to the presence of our wandering friend. He seemed confused and not sure which way to go. We didn’t want him to try to cross the busy street and get hit by a car. However the police said they don’t respond to calls about wild animals in the neighborhood. They said the Javelina were here first and told us to leave it alone. An hour later my furry friend was gone.
I smile as I look back on my close encounter with this wild creature. We forget that the Javelina and many other wild animals were here first. The suburbs have encroached on the home of hawks, skunks, snakes, squirrels, coyotes and Javelinas too. We have the privilege of seeing these amazing creatures in their habitat. But we need to do all we can to preserve and protect their lives and offspring.
Let me encourage you to respect and protect the wild animals in your neighborhood. Enjoy them at a safe distance. You will be glad you did and they will too!
Read 365 more stories by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The cost is only $20 plus postage ($5). Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 
Great one!
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