A woman walking her dog in the Foothills was attacked by a javelina on Monday night, according to state wildlife officials.
The woman was walking about 8:30 p.m. northwest of East Snyder Road and North Sabino Canyon Road with her dog when she was charged by a javelina.
The woman sustained two, 2-inch gashes on her knee from the attack. She was treated for the wounds and possible exposure to rabies at Northwest Medical Center, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
This is the second javelina attack that has caused injuries in the Tucson area in two months, the agency said. An Oro Valley woman was bitten on her leg by a javelina while walking her dog March 25.
"Javelina can't tell the difference between a dog and a coyote, which prey on javelina, so javelina react instinctively to dogs," said Raul Vega, regional supervisor for the Game and Fish in Tucson.
The agency said people walking their dogs who encounter javelina should walk in the opposite direction away from the animals.
Dogs and javelina can seriously injure or kill each other.
Defensive javelina behavior may include charging, teeth clacking or a growling sound. Javelina also may react if cornered or to protect their young.
