Strategic Battle Unfolds: Menacing Pig-like Creatures Threaten Arizona Golf Course

As night descends upon one of the United States' most picturesque golf clubs, eerie sounds of growling, teeth clacking, and hooves resonating off the red-rock canyon walls create an ominous atmosphere.

As the Arizona sunshine illuminates Seven Canyons in the morning, the aftermath of destruction is unveiled. The 7,000-yard course is marred by sprawling hills of ravaged turf, resembling open wounds on the otherwise pristine fairways. Soil and grass are scattered in every direction, disrupting the once impeccable landscape.

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The culprits? Javelina, a pig-like creature equipped with sharp canine teeth, whose ability to wreak havoc in the town of Sedona has transformed them into an internet sensation.

Turf is being scattered everywhere, accompanied by grunts and fights. Despite their small size, these creatures cause significant destruction.

Squealing squadron

Similar to pigs, yet distinct from actual pigs, are javelina. These creatures, also referred to as collared peccary or musk hogs, belong to the peccary family, a type of mammal species which initially emerged in South America and later made their way into Arizona and various other Southwestern states in the US.

Javelina are typically three to four feet long and stand 19 inches tall, with gray-black fur and a white collar. They weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and have an average lifespan of seven and a half years, according to the Arizona State Department of Game and Fish. They are commonly found in desert areas but can adapt to different habitats. Their diet consists mostly of cacti, bulbs, and other plants, but they will also consume garbage, insects, and, unfortunately for the Seven Canyons staff, worms.

A javelina at Seven Canyons golf course.

Situated at the foothills of the stunning Vermilion Cliffs and surrounded by the magnificent Coconino National Forest, this exclusive golf course offers lush fairways and abundant water features. It serves as an irresistible feast of food and drink for a species seeking to build reserves for the winter season.

Earthworms squirming in the top few inches of grass are a delectable treat for the javelina. While not strictly nocturnal, these animals are most active during the night. As a result, herds of 25 to 35, also known as squadrons, vigorously dig up wide areas of turf in search of a midnight snack.

This situation is a nightmare for the crew responsible for maintaining the greenery, and it has been worsened by an exceptionally hot and dry summer in the Grand Canyon state. Despite dealing with the presence of peccaries six or seven times during his twenty-year tenure at the club, the lack of rain from May 20 to August 20 has significantly escalated javelina activity.

Seven Canyons is ringed by the Vermilion Cliffs.

Emily Casey/emcaseyturf

Downsides and upsides

Salvage operations are comparable to repairing a sizable golf divot, involving flipping the turf, adding a layer of top dressing, and concluding by sowing fresh grass into the existing turf.

Categorized as a large game species, it is against state regulations to harm or eliminate javelina, "even if they are causing trouble," with the Arizona Game and Fish Department resorting to removal only as a last option. The department warned that most javelina do not survive when forcibly relocated, as they often struggle to find sustenance, water, or shelter after being separated from their herd, making them vulnerable to predation.

A bull shark swims close to the edge of a lake at Carbrook course in January 2012.

Courtesy Scott Wagstaff

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To deter their presence, it is recommended to refrain from feeding the animals and to employ fencing and walls as barriers. Apart from using fencing, the staff has collaborated to seal any openings that arise. However, the upcoming few weeks might be tense as December marks the start of the non-growing season, implying that the course will remain in its current condition until springtime.

As temperatures drop, the worms retreat deeper into the soil, making it difficult for the javelinas to detect them. This brings a glimmer of hope that Seven Canyons has overcome the worst of the damage caused by the javelinas. However, the financial consequences will persist.

According to Bisbee's estimation, the club will have expended anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000 in labor expenses by the time the javelinas retreat. Additionally, they will have spent an additional $50,000 to $75,000 on seed, turf growth blankets, and other equipment needed for restoration.

The javelina have proven to be expensive guests at Seven Canyons.

Emily Casey/emcaseyturf

Yet there has been some consolation to the chaos - viral fame.

During a board meeting on October 22, Bisbee's phone started buzzing continuously in his pocket. Worried about what he might find, he checked his missed call notifications and saw a message from Emily Casey, the courses assistant superintendent, that read: "Oh my god. Im so sorry."

Earlier that day, Casey had uploaded a 30-second video to X (previously known as Twitter) showcasing the latest destructive act by the javelinas. This was not her first post documenting such damage, but it quickly gained widespread attention.

By the time an incredulous Bisbee responded, the video had 1.4 million views. Three weeks later, its at 32.9 million and counting.

Bisbee is left wondering why, out of all the animals at Seven Canyons, it is the small pig-like creatures that have caught the attention of the internet. Despite the numerous interview requests from prestigious publications like National Geographic and the Wall Street Journal, Bisbee is still unable to comprehend why this particular phenomenon has generated such interest. Laughing, Bisbee remarks that if they could uncover the reason behind it, they would capitalize on it regularly.

"If anything this at least has put us in front of millions of people who didnt know where Seven Canyons was.