Peccaries, also called javelinas, are related to wild hogs and live in the deserts of the southwestern United States and South America. They are also called collared peccaries because of a white band around their chests. The rest of their bodies are dark gray. They look like pigs but are smaller, weighing only thirty to sixty pounds. Like pigs, they grunt, have large heads, short necks, tough, round snouts, sharp canine teeth and stubby tails. Their feet are also different from pigs’. The Creator gave peccaries feet suitable for fast running and clinging to rocks.
Unlike pigs which have large litters, peccaries usually give birth to twins, which are about the size of rabbits. Within two days, the mother takes the babies to join the herd. Peccary herds stay close together, and the babies get lots of attention. When one of them is hungry, any sow will allow it to nurse. Adults also let the babies jump over them, push them aside, and even steal food from them.
The herd spends most of its time feeding on acorns, parts of cactus plants, seeds, insects and occasionally a lizard or rattlesnake. Each herd is identified by its own musky smell. If an outsider comes into their territory, it is quickly discovered and chased out. However, they prefer to live peaceably and will flee from danger. But if cornered, they will defend themselves viciously with their sharp teeth. Their most common natural enemy is the jaguar. Normally they run away when a human gets close to them, as may happen because of their poor eyesight.
Peccaries live an unhurried life and in warm weather indulge in afternoon naps in beds prepared beforehand. These are in areas of soft dirt which have been routed out with their tough snouts, leaving hollows where they snuggle down for long naps. At night they have similar sleeping places, but in a separate area.
These animals are another example of how the Lord God has populated the earth with living creatures of all kinds. He delights in His creation, caring for all of them, as the Bible says, “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33:55He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5)).
However, the Lord Jesus did not die on the cross to provide everlasting life for animals. In His great love, He died on the cross for all persons who will place their trust in Him. If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can say, “O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things” (Isaiah 25:11O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. (Isaiah 25:1)).
ML-03/06/2005
MARCH 6, 2005