Photographing javelinas up-close in the Wash (dry creek bed) behind our house — 2008, Tucson, AZ. The sizable herds which previously ransacked our yards numbered as many as 13 individuals; it’s sad to report those numbers dwindled before we left in 2010.

Javelinas have sharp canines, and can be incredibly fierce; they’ve been known to give chase to mountain lions, and it’s NOT recommended to get this close to them.