As I was driving through Grayhawk Scottsdale last week I spotted large javelina crossing Thompson Peak Parkway. They are occasionally seen throughout North Scottsdale. The creatures are, under most circumstances, harmless. However, there are some precautions you should take to keep them off of your property.

Javelina are a hoofed mammal similar to a wild boar. They are common in central and southern Arizona and can find their way into North Scottsdale communities like Grayhawk. The javelina weighs between 40-60 pounds and are about 19 inches tall. Their keen sense of smell compensates for their poor eyesight, which is why they’ll go sniffing for garbage cans. Javelina enjoy eating plants and insects, they also gravitate toward cool mud and water for relaxing. They most often venture into my neighborhood around October when people leave pumpkins at the front door. It is a huge attraction for them.

They sound pretty harmless, right? Just don’t let these creatures make their way into your family yard. The javelina will dig up your plants and go through your garbage which can cause extreme damage to the landscaping you’ve worked so hard to maintain.

Here are a few tips on how to keep the javelina off of your property:

• Tightly seal all garbage and recycling receptacles.
• Never feed javelina.
• Fence in your yard – 4 feet is high enough.
• Pick up fruit when it drops from a tree or bush.
• Plant toxic bulbs like iris, instead of tasty bulbs like tulips.
• Use poultry wire below the surface of your plant bed’s soil to prevent digging.

Following these easy steps will help keep javelina off of your property and out of your beautiful garden!  Remember, javelina are protected under Arizona state law. It’s our responsibility to take all precautions to protect our property from damage, but those procedures don’t include unlawful injury or killing of the animal.

It’s no surprise javelina like hanging out in beautiful Grayhawk – it’s a testament to the community’s lush gardens and well-landscaped properties. If you’re interested in learning more about the Grayhawk area or would like to view Grayhawk homes for sale, please contact me at (480) 363-6244 or Carmen@TopScottsdaleHomes.com.  I am an experienced Realtor specializing in the upscale real estate of North Scottsdale. Please contact me with any questions regarding Grayhawk real estate.

Carmen Brodeur JD
Realtor
Trillium Properties, LLC
9825 E Bell Road, Suite 120, Scottsdale AZ 85260
Cell (602) 791-0536
Carmen@TopScottsdaleHomes.com
www.GrayhawkRealEstate.com