The javalina (aka Collared Peccary) is a relatively common inhabitant of the southern most portion of the Southwest. Although sometimes called a wild pig, peccaries are not related to the domesticated pigs imported from Europe.
As the javalina is a social animal, you will often find well traveled trails rather than individual tracks. They have a strong musk which plays a role in their social life. Bands may include up to twenty-five or more.
They eat a variety of plants including prickly pear pads and the fruit of other cactus as well as tubers, the beans of legume trees, so look for a variety of feeding sign.
The Sonoran desert around Tuscon, Arizona, is a good place to look, especially around watering holes as they depend on a water source.
As the javalina is a social animal, you will often find well traveled trails rather than individual tracks.
The desert floor is surprisingly hard but you might find individual tracks after a rain or around watering holes.
Javalina eat a variety of plants but prickly pear pads are a favorite during the summer months. Note, however, that other desert animals like packrats and tortoises also eat prickly pear. I did not have a chance to verify that this was javalina but the tooth marks seem right.
