Collared Peccary, Tayassu tajacu, is a peccary species found in North, Central and South America, living in many habitats, from dry, Sonoran desert and chaco to deep rainforest to the deciduous forest. They are commonly referred to as Javelina because their teeth resemble javelins.

Collared peccaries are nocturnal and live in groups of up to 20 individuals in the desert (usually 6 to 9) and up to 100 in tropical areas. They feed on fruits, roots, tubers, palm nuts, grasses, invertebrates, dead carcasses,, and small vertebrates. They usually sleep under shaded trees and shrubs and in caves and in small openings.

It is sometimes called a "musk hog" because of the strong odor it releases, especially when alarmed. In some areas of the Southwest they have become habituated to human beings and live in relative harmony with them in such areas as the suburbs of cities where there are still relatively large areas of brush and undergrowth to move through. They are common in the Cave Creek, North Scottsdale, and Fountain Hills area. They will invade gardens and will eat dog food if given the chance.

They will defend themselves if they feel threatened but otherwise tend to ignore human beings. They defend themselves with their long tusks. Javelinas are skiddish by nature and attacks mostly occur toward people walking their dogs. Coyotes are enemies to javelinas and they see dogs and coyotes as threats to their young and will attack and injure your dog. They've been also known to attack bobcats.

Javelinas prefer to live near water and are a common sight near the Salt River. Their sense of smell is their primary sense. Their vision is poor compared to most mammals.