Golf Course Battles Hungry Javelinas: Chili Oil as the Unlikely Savior
To combat this issue on the golf course, the golf club has resorted to using chili oil as an unlikely solution, as the pig-like peccaries have been causing significant damage due to the dry and hot summer conditions in the region. (Photo: dailymail)
Hungry Javelinas vs. Golf Course: Drought-Driven Turf Troubles
According to source, the Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona, Arizona, is facing an unusual challenge as hungry javelinas wreak havoc on the golf course’s turf. To deter these pig-like peccaries on the golf course, the golf course operators have turned to an unexpected solution—chili oil. Dave Bisbee, the general manager, explained that despite being native to the Southwest, javelinas seem to have an aversion to Southwest seasoning like chili oil. While javelinas foraging on the golf course isn’t a new issue, the extent of the damage seen this year is rare.
The increased damage caused by the javelinas on the golf course is attributed to the hotter-than-normal summer experienced in various parts of Arizona. The Sedona region received less than 2 inches of rain during the summer, compared to the 18 inches of rain that drenched the golf course during the previous summer’s monsoon season.
The dry conditions have driven the javelinas to take significant bites out of the golf course’s turf, with the tearing of turf starting about six weeks ago on the golf course.
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Golf Course’s Battle with Javelinas: Seeking Solutions for Uninvited Guests
Seven Canyons Golf Club has been collaborating with the Arizona Game & Fish Department to find a way to coexist with the javelinas on the golf course. Javelina groups, known as squadrons, typically consist of six to nine animals, but the golf course is estimated to have between 30 to 50 squadrons. This issue is not unique to the golf course, as other courses in the state have faced similar problems. However, Seven Canyons has gained significant attention on social media, with a video showcasing the damage viewed more than 25 million times on the golf course.
In the past, the club tried various repellents, including granules of coyote urine, but these attempts were unsuccessful. For now, chili oil appears to be the most effective deterrent and the golf club is working on a concentrated spray to keep the javelinas at bay until cooler temperatures prompt them to seek food elsewhere.
According to Bisbee, finding the right formulation for the chili oil is a continuing challenge, but they are determined to protect their turf from these hungry intruders on the golf course.
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