Javelinas definitely eat saguaro cactus! I’ve had a few encounters with these fascinating creatures during my hikes in the desert, and I’ve witnessed them munching on saguaro cacti with gusto.
The saguaro cactus is a favorite food of javelinas, and it’s not hard to see why. The saguaro cactus is known for its juicy, sweet fruit, which javelinas find absolutely irresistible. These fruits are rich in nutrients and provide a much-needed source of water in the arid desert environment. Javelinas will climb up the tall saguaro cacti to reach the fruit, using their sharp tusks to help them navigate the spiky terrain.
But it’s not just the fruit that javelinas enjoy. They will also eat the fleshy stems and even the spines of the saguaro cactus. It’s quite impressive to watch them chomp down on a cactus, seemingly unfazed by the sharp spines. Their tough mouths and thick skin protect them from any harm the spines might cause.
In addition to saguaro cacti, javelinas are also known to feast on prickly pear cacti. These cacti have paddle-shaped pads with clusters of spines and are found in abundance in the desert. Javelinas will eat the pads, flowers, and even the prickly pear fruit. It’s amazing to see how they maneuver around the spines to get to the juicy parts.
While saguaro and prickly pear cacti are their preferred choices, javelinas are opportunistic eaters and can consume almost any cactus species they come across. They have a keen sense of smell and can easily locate cacti, even from a distance. It’s fascinating to see how these animals have adapted to survive in such a harsh environment, making the most of the available food sources.
Yes, javelinas do eat saguaro cactus, along with other cactus species. They have sharp tusks that allow them to navigate the spiky terrain and consume various parts of the cacti, from the fruit to the spines. It’s incredible to witness these animals in action, as they effortlessly devour the cacti that most other creatures would avoid.