Unwelcome visitors

Somehow we have gotten back on the javelina circuit. For many years they have avoided us, remembering the unpleasant shock of the encounter with our electric fence. But the fence appears to have grounded out because they now visit two or three evenings a week. They like to dig up the roots of the asparagus fern and wallow in the mud left by the drip system and the rain. One night I watched from the study window as one rolled around in the mud, as if the rain had washed him too clean and he needed a recharge.

We found them at our front door when we returned from our date at Eclectic Cafe. I grabbed the camera and Bruce grabbed a pitcher and filled it with water. He discovered several years ago that water is the only thing that javelina despise. One night we had javelina on our back porch where they had gotten into some bird seed. In an effort to frighten them away, he started the lawn mower...they continued to feed, undeterred. He poked at them with a sharp stick (through the kitchen window)...no reaction. Finally, he got one of the kids' Super Soakers and sent a jet of water their way. That did it!


When we opened the door to throw the water on them, they thought we were inviting them in for treats.


But no, Bruce chucked the water at them and they ran away grunting, leaving a trail of dirt on our front sidewalk. That's our clue in the mornings that they have stopped by again.


They actually can be quite dangerous. Recently we met a young woman who was attacked as she stepped out her front door. So if I happened to meet them on my morning walk, I wait from far away until they cross the road--a rare occurrence, fortunately.