The Story of the wild Pig!

Collared Peccary

(aka Javelina * Tayaussa * Musk Hog)

On Saturday morning, April 14, somehow a wild pig (aka Javelina) coming from the golf course fairway attempted to enter the backyard of the home of our fellow Trilogy residents, Dennis and Diane Robitaille, located at 28551 N. 123^rd Lane. This big wild pig tried to enter the backyard by going through the "view fence", immediately became stuck and could not free itself. Who knows what the pig was after, or why it would try to go directly through the fence.  Now keep in mind this pig is the size of a German Shepard and the bars on the view fence are only 4 1/2 inches between. It seems impossible that an animal of this size could wedge itself into a space so narrow without serious injury. The homeowner immediately tried to call someone who could help free the pig, and finally got in touch with a wildlife rescue service known as Southwest Wildlife in Scottsdale (I'll tell you more about them later). A man named Dennis Calhoun answered the call, came to the residence then proceeded to try the rescue. He covered the pigs head with a towel, which calmed it down, used a pole/noose device and slipped it around the head of the pig, then coated his coerce hair with shampoo, which made the pig very slick.  After a lot of pulling and tugging, Calhoun finally was successful in freeing the pig.

 Now you would think the story is over............not yet. The pig would not leave, even though he was between two houses and could have easily walked out to the street and out to the desert. Mr. Calhoun tried in vain to coax the pig away, and even used a water hose, but the pig would not leave, so, since it was close to dark, he made a decision to leave the pig overnight hoping the pig would leave on its own.

 The next morning, the homeowner went to check on the pig to see if it had made its way to the desert, and low and behold the pig had gotten himself stuck again, trying to go north into the back yard, so the homeowner called Mr. Calhoun again for assistance. Mr. Calhoun brought his wife Patty to assist him in the second rescue, and this time they brought a portable cage. Using the same tools per the first rescue attempt, the Calhoun’s proceeded to rescue the animal. This pig was not in a happy mood, as he started grunting, clicking its teeth and violently thrashing its 3 inch incisors with a mouth full of large teeth, plus he was extremely irritated and very strong. The pig was bleeding at its feet evidently trying to get loose and out of the fence, plus it was exhausted and extremely stressed out. Finally they had the pig locked in a noose hold and literally manhandled the pig into the cage. It was obvious, both Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun were very experienced in the rescue of wild animals. The Calhoun's then took the pig to a Veterinarian for observation, and if it did not have to be euthanized, they would take it back to the wildlife center for rehab.

 Today, Tuesday 4/24, I am pleased to say we have a happy ending to this story.  I called Southwest Wildlife center and was informed by the staff the pig was in rehabilitation, commingling with other wild pigs at the compound. Once the center is convinced there are no more Traumas, and the pig is healthy, they will eventually return it to the wild.

 Isn't it wonderful, we have people that will go out of their way to help poor creatures in distress? For those neighbors who witnessed this 2 day event, I am sure they will agree the Southwest Wildlife center, and the Calhoun’s' should have a well deserved thank you, and pat on the back for a job well done. By the way, this is an all volunteer organization, and they welcome and appreciate all donations. Listed below is the contact information for this fine animal rescue center. In the event you would like to go through their complex in Scottsdale, just give them a call and set up an appointment for a tour. This would be a great place for children and adults to see a variety of rescued Arizona wildlife.

 Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation and Educational Foundation

 PMB 115,