Javelina Herd Creates Havoc: In recent years, golf courses have faced numerous acts of vandalism, ranging from vehicles tearing through fairways to deliberate destruction before tournaments. However, the Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona, Arizona, recently experienced a different kind of havoc—this time caused by a herd of javelinas, boar-like creatures known for their territorial aggression.
On Sunday morning, Superintendent Em Casey
captured the aftermath of the javelina rampage, revealing significant damage to the course. Despite their cuddly appearance, javelinas are known for their stubborn nature and their fierce defense of territory and resources, often fighting each other to the death over their favorite snack, the prickly pear. They typically move in herds ranging from five to fifteen, with some herds reported to be as large as fifty, instilling fear even in apex predators like cougars.
The situation at Seven Canyons, ranked as the 24th best golf course in Arizona by Golf Digest in 2023, poses a unique challenge for Casey and the club. Unfortunately, javelinas are classified as a “big game species” under Arizona law, making it illegal to trap, injure, or kill them without meeting strict provisions. As a result, addressing the havoc caused by the javelinas presents a complicated dilemma for the club.
Javelina Herd Creates Havoc in Seven Canyons, a picturesque desert layout situated in the Coconino National Forest, offers stunning views of the region’s rugged rock formations. The course prioritizes accuracy with its narrow fairways and small greens, creating a unique challenge. Source thedailycourierng news