On New Year's day, a man walking on a path alongside Dove Mountain Blvd. in Tucson was attacked by a normally shy javelina or collared peccary.The attack came at about 11:30 a.m., when the 66-year old man heard a noise behind him. He turned to see a female javelina charge him and bite him around the knee and thigh, knocking him to the ground.
The javelina continued to attack the man as he was on the ground, latching onto his wrist and forearm and wouldn't let go, according to Mark Hart, the public information officer for Arizona Game and Fish Department.
A passing bicyclist clobbered the javelina over the head first with a stick, and then with a log to get the animal to release the walker. A Marana Police Department officer arrived on scene about the time the javelina ran onto Dove Mountain Boulevard, and started toward a group of people. The officer sounded his siren, startling the javelina, which ran off into the desert. He pursued the javelina and killed it.
Because of the aggressive behavior and unprovoked attack of the javelina, the bite victim was treated for the bites at Oro Valley Hospital, where he began treatment for rabies.
The attack comes on the heels of a recent rabid bobcat attack on a man in Oracle on Dec. 23. In the last year, there were 261 confirmed rabid animals in Arizona, roughly a third of them in Pima County.
"We may be more aware of cases because of drought conditions which are bringing animals into urban areas in search of water and food," Hart said.
Arizona Game and Fish Department suggested taking the following action due to the increase in rabid animals showing up in urban areas or campgrounds.
- Do not feed or leave food out for wild animals such as javelinas.
- Pet owners should not leave their pet's food out overnight.
- Make sure all pets are up-to-date with their shots.
- Carry a walking stick and a whistle.
- Never turn your back on an animal.
- Do not approach animals that appear to be tame or are not acting as wild animals should.
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