Dicotyles tajacu

Description

This pig-like animal stands 1½ to 2 feet high at the shoulder, is 2 to 3 feet long, and weighs 30 to 50 pounds. It has coarse, grizzle hair that is either blackish-gray or brownish-black in color, and is distinguished from other peccaries by its gray, white or yellowish collar.

Peccaries have hooved feet, with three toes on each hind foot. Although they look somewhat like feral pigs, their upper tusks point downward, while those of feral pigs are curled.

A large gland on the back, about 8 inches in front of the tail, gives off small amounts of strong musk if the animal isexcited. The musk, which can be smelled from hundreds of feet away, is also used to mark territory.

Distribution and Habitat

The collared peccary ranges