As night descends on one of the most beautiful golf clubs in the United States, eerie sounds echo from the red-rock valley. When the sun rises over the "Seven Canyons" golf course in Arizona, traces of destruction reveal themselves on the sprawling hills that stretch 7,000 yards. Soil and grass are scattered in all directions across the pristine fairways. The culprits are a group of javelinas, pig-like animals known for their sharp teeth, which have gained notoriety for wreaking havoc in Sedona, Arizona.
In an interview with CNN, Dave Pisby, the general manager of the "Seven Canyons" golf course, said, "When you encounter them and see them, it’s like a devil." He continued, "The grass is flying everywhere, as if it’s a battlefield. For being relatively small creatures, they cause a lot of damage. They can till the grass with those teeth... It’s really frustrating when you see it."
Javelinas are common in desert areas but can adapt to a variety of habitats. They have a diet consisting of greens such as cacti, bulbs, and other plants, but they also feed on trash, insects, and worms, which poses a challenge for the staff at "Seven Canyons." The golf course sits at the base of the Vermilion cliffs and is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest. With its nutrient-rich fairways and ample water supply, the golf course offers an irresistible buffet for animals looking to bulk up for the winter.
Earthworms wriggling just beneath the few inches of grass are a delicacy for javelinas, which are most active after dark. As a result, around 25 to 35 of these animals scour the grass in search of a midnight snack.
