In The Call of Sedona, Ilchi Lee writes about the amazing landscape to be found in this region. What we tend to overlook as we gaze out across the land is the myriad of wildlife which dwells here. It is fun to imagine the hundreds of eyes that may be observing us from within the camouflage of the territory at any moment!
Although much wildlife is hidden from view while hiking the trails of Sedona, you may eventually encounter the javelina (pronounced ha-va-LEE-na). Although they seem at first glance to be a kind of pig, they are actually the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), also known as Mexican hogs and “musk hogs” due to the animal’s potent scent glands.
If you see one javelina, it is a sure bet there are more nearby. You will want to avoid engaging with these creatures, especially when there are young ones in the herd. A herd can number anywhere from just a few to 100 individuals! Allowing them their space and the room to continue on without interference is a good lesson in respecting nature: Javelina can be dangerous if provoked.
Many believe that the sight of a particular animal crossing your immediate path might be a “spirit message” concerning something that needs to be understood or realized in this very moment. Some may feel such encounters are communications from their “totem” animal, delivering awareness of characteristics that are needed now for problem solving.
It is fun to keep this idea in mind as you hike around Sedona, paying particular attention to what animal crosses your path, and what meaning you might derive from the encounter. For example, the characteristics attributed to a javelina are a strong connection to others in the herd; they are adaptable, thick-skinned animals who can and will defend themselves and their family when needed, but shy away from confrontation if possible.
Nature is always speaking to us: from the highest branches to the lowly worm, we need only open our eyes, our ears, our mind, and our heart to the messages she carries on hoof, wing, and wild calls across the land.
By Lynn A. Trombetta: A freelance web writer on topics of art, music, and wellness, Lynn is also a wildlife artist/photographer, professional flutist, recording artist, and published author.
Very inspirational and interesting. It’s very true that nature is always speaking to us.
Nature is our great teacher, messenger, guide, compass and she shows up in various forms, such as the rainbow, clouds, stars, trees, rocks, and javelinas. I feel having read about javelinas at this moment is a message from heaven and earth to be strong, be thick-skinned, and connect with our support group and protect each other.
Interesting! I think I need to pay attention more to what I meet in my daily life. Thank you for this inspiring article.
Thank you for this story about Javelina!
I came face to face with a javelina in Sedona once. It was in a short alley between two condo units. I came upon it suddenly. Luckily, I was able to nervously back away while it stared at me. It was certainly a memorable experience! I wonder what message it was trying to give me.
The javelina looks so cute!
I’m thick skinned and like being with my companions too. Maybe the Javelina is my spirit animal.:)
thank you for beautiful story
I enjoyed reading the beautiful story of the javelina 🙂
Thank you for Javelina’ Story. Its very interesting.
I saw him or his friend, a javelina last night in my backyard.
It is very impressive writing. Whenever we listen to the nature, we can get message we need in every moment.
Great reminder of the beauty of nature and fond memories of havelina experiences in Sedona and Cottonwood. Amazing examples of life…
Beautiful creatures! This is a wonderful introduction for those who have never encountered them before.
That javelina is so cute! I like spirit animals and am waiting to meet my own.
I have seen them several times. Mostly they were a big family. I like them even though they had finished my zucchini. This article is very interesting. Thank you. :))
Living in Sedona, sometimes I take for granted. It is truly amazing place and get to see these beautiful creatures.
Thank you for this interesting story.
I run into these little fellas all the time!
Thank you for the article. Liked reading about the thick-skinned quality and the tendency to avoid confrontation, unless provoked,
Good to have that knowledge so I can avoid a mistake when I meet a javelina on the trail.
There is nothing cute about these creatures nor do they avoid confrontation! On the contrary they are aggressive and can and will kill you without provocation. People who feed them are beyond foolish and encouraging their encroachment in areas they should not be. A solo javelina appeared mid-day at my van in a regional park by a horse arena where I’d been parked all night and charged my beloved service dog, a Lab who stood outside my van not provoking but standing there afraid to move. When I called her to me the beast charged her after she turned around and tore her open as she fled then came after me! This was in Flagstaff. Javelina are known to be the filthiest scavengers of the desert and encounters with them require massive antibiotics if you survive it. Do not encourage animal lovers with false info about some cute, unassuming nature of these animals.