A Tucson woman was attacked and bitten by a group of javelinas on Thursday afternoon, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said.
The 64-year-old victim was walking her dog at La Madera Park near Tucson Boulevard and Glenn Street when one or more javelina bit her on the arm and ankle, according to a news release.
Game and Fish said a total of five javelinas were involved in the incident.
The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment and released later that day.
What are javelinas?
Javelinas are wild pigs that are part of the peccary family that originated in South America, according to Game and Fish.
Adult javelinas can reach 40 to 50 pounds and instinctually travel in packs of sometimes more than 20.
Game and Fish said it’s normal for Arizonans to live alongside javelinas, especially in semi-urban areas or those near a natural desert.
What to do if you see a javelina?
Game and Fish provided these tips to stay safe around javelinas:
- Never feed javelinas.
- Leave the area if you see javelinas when walking a dog.
- Scare off the animals by making loud noises, using a garden hose, or using a one-part ammonia to nine-part water combination in a water gun.
- Allow a confined animal to escape by leaving all gates open.