TUCSON – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating a weekend incident in which a resident of Tucson’s northwest side was injured by a javelina.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Villa Capri community, 2305 W. Ruthrauff Road. A female resident there sustained a leg wound when she opened her back door and her leashed dog broke its collar, then attacked two javelina at the bottom of her stairs.
The woman was treated at an area hospital. Game and Fish always recommends rabies treatment in such cases. Her dog died from injuries sustained in the incident.
“Javelina may react instinctively to the presence of dogs, which they cannot distinguish from a natural predator such as a coyote,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “The victim was taken by surprise by the presence of the javelina and unfortunately was unable to control her dog. We recommend that dog owners out walking their pets immediately head in the opposite direction if they encounter javelina.”
Encounters with dogs and feeding are the most common sources of conflicts between humans and javelinas. It is illegal under state law (A.R.S. 13-2927) to feed wildlife in Pima, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, with the exception of birds as well as tree squirrels, which are rare at lower elevations. The maximum penalty is a $300 fine.
For tips on minimizing conflicts with wildlife, see: www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.