North Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Chacoan Peccaries
Catagonus wagneri
Size: 1.5-2.5 feet at shoulder
Weight: 66-88 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 9 years
Habitat: Dry thorn forests, plains and marshes of South America
Diet: Cacti, tubers, fruits, flowers
First described from subfossil bones collected in the 1930's. Was not recognized as a living species until 1975, making it one of the most recently discovered large mammals.
Status: Endangered
This is a Species Survival Plan animal.
Fun Facts
Largest of the three peccary species. Uses it's tough leathery snout to roll cacti on the ground, rubbing the spikes off to make it easier to eat. Communicates by various sounds such as grunting and teeth chattering. Known as "spirit masters of the first" by native people. Spray secretions from their backs when frightened. Active during the day, especially in the morning when they are most apt to travel. Decline in numbers due to hunting, habitat destruction, disease, and disturbance from development.
Erected by Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities
this page online
Location. 41° 12.662′ N, 73° 10.935′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut. It is in North Bridgeport. It can be reached from Noble Avenue north of Crown Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker hangs in an open-air display at the Chacoan Peccaries exhibit. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport CT 06610, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Fairfield County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mexican Wolf (here, next to this marker); Red Wolf (here, next to this marker); Persecution of the Wolf
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 163 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
