One of the many perks that comes with living in Sedona is the occasional opportunity to encounter the local wildlife, and if you’ve been out and about often enough on a hike or walking your dog, chances are you’ve seen a javelina or two.

Javelinas have been seen all over the greater Sedona area, from residential neighborhoods in the Village of Oak Creek to trails around West Sedona and even crossing the street near Uptown at night. While they may seem cute and harmless, it is important to remember that javelinas are wild animals and should be treated as such.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the months of January, February and March make up the javelina’s breeding season, and because the javelina — otherwise known as the collared peccary — will usually only attack when threatened or cornered. Expectant mother javelinas and their families should especially be avoided during this time.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Feb. 20, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.