Javelinas — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Javelinas

Javelinas, also called collared peccaries, are pig-like mammals that live in the deserts, scrublands, and dry forests of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Despite looking and behaving like wild pigs, javelinas belong to a completely different family called Tayassuidae. True pigs are native to the Old World; javelinas evolved separately in the Americas and are only distantly related to pigs.

Javelinas are well-suited to hot, dry environments. They are most active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, resting in the shade during the hottest part of the day. They can eat a wide variety of plants, including cacti such as prickly pear, which provides both food and water. Their tough snouts and strong jaws allow them to chew through spiny cactus pads without apparent discomfort. They also eat roots, berries, fruit, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.

One of the most distinctive features of a javelina is the large scent gland located on its back, just above the tail. Javelinas rub this gland on rocks, trees, and each other to mark territory and recognize members of their herd. The scent has a strong musky smell, giving rise to another common name: musk hog. Javelinas also communicate through a variety of grunts, barks, and tooth-chattering sounds.

Javelinas live in herds of 6 to 12 animals that defend a shared home territory. Herd members groom each other and sleep huddled together for warmth on cold desert nights. Young javelinas, called reds because of their reddish coat, can walk within hours of birth and keep up with the herd quickly. Javelinas have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. Though generally non-aggressive, they will charge and use their razor-sharp tusks in defense.

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