SCOTTSDALE, AZ (CBS5) -
A Scottsdale neighborhood has become a popular hang-out for a host of javelinas.
The wild boar is a common sight in several Valley communities.
However, homeowner AJ Schlatter Flynn said the javelina problem in her Scottsdale neighborhood has gotten significantly worse lately with the animals becoming more aggressive.
Flynn told CBS5 that a javelina recently took a bite out of her dog.
"Not only have they attacked people on the walking trail and neighbors on the front porch, but now they're going after our dogs," said Flynn. "It's become quite dangerous and scary and it's not only in the evening, they're getting aggressive in the day, as well."
Flynn said she was convinced that the sudden wave of javelinas was directly related to one of her neighbors leaving food out, which is against the law.
Her husband took video outside a neighbor's house, then sent it to Arizona's Dept. of Game and Fish.
A few days later, a federal wildlife officer was dispatched to the neighborhood where he killed eight javelinas, officials said.
Neighbor Brandon Creager can't understand why the javelinas had to be killed.
"For somebody to come out and have to take them all away and kill them doesn't really make sense to me," said Creager.
Game and Fish officials told CBS5 that once any wildlife animals present a direct threat to the public's safety the animal must be killed.
"Nobody takes any pleasure in having these animals terminated, but there was no other alternative," said Flynn.
The neighbor who was cited for leaving food out told CBS5 that she was simply leaving food out for some birds and the javelinas pounced on it.
The woman said it was never her intention to feed these animals even though this was the third time she has been cited by Game and Fish.
Copyright 2012 KPHO (Meredith Corporation) All rights reserved.
Javelinas killed in Scottsdale neighborhood
Homeowner AJ Schlatter Flynn says javelina problem has become worse.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
