The Holland Center and Desert Foothills Land Trust invites the public to learn about their wildlife neighbors at the next Foothills Speaker Series: Javelina, on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Holland Center. This free event will dispel common misconceptions about these Arizona animals and reveal their true nature as social, well-adapted desert dwellers.

“Who are you calling a pig?” asks presenter Jeff Meyers, wildlife biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Despite their reputation and pig-like appearance, javelina – also known as Collared Peccaries – are not actually pigs at all.

Javelina are among Arizona’s most visible and widely distributed wildlife species, making them a familiar sight to residents and visitors throughout the state. However, their true nature and ecological importance remain largely misunderstood by the public. This informative presentation will explore their fascinating history, complex social behaviors, remarkable desert adaptations, and much more. Meyers will also discuss best practices for coexisting peacefully with javelina in urban and suburban areas.

Whether you’re already a javelina enthusiast, a resident who shares the neighborhood with them, or are just curious about the local wildlife, this presentation promises new insights into these remarkable desert animals.