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Bush Pig
The Bush Pig is a strong, stocky mammal with powerful forequarters and is a much loved member of the Kruger National Park family.
With its small eyes, pointed, tufted ears and of course their prominent snouts, which are both blunt and muscular, the bush pig closely resembles that of the domestic pig. Visitors to the Kruger Park are likely to locate these animals in dense underbrush with streams nearby. Bush Pigs are very hairy and range in sizes between 60 and 85cm, while they generally tend to weigh in between 46 and 82kgs. The pig’s colour varies between reddish brown and darker brown hues and become darker as they grow older; both males and females have a light coloured mane which bristles when the pig becomes agitated. The Bush Pig’s upper tusks are not really visible, but its lower set are razor sharp and dangerous especially when the animal has been wounded; along with its protruding canine teeth, the bush pig can inflict serious damage when its been attacked.
While it may not appear this way, two interesting traits the bush pig possesses are its stealth and ability to predict where certain agricultural products are likely to grow; that is, bush pigs are able to thrive in close proximity to human settlements as a result of their key abilities. However, because of this, they are considered agricultural pests, and are not a welcome sight for farmers! Visitors to the Kruger Park will notice that these pigs are fairly social animals and that their herds can consist of up to 12 members, with a typical group featuring a dominant male and a dominant female, along with other females and younger pigs.
An interesting little fact about Bush Pigs is that they are nocturnal creatures and are very rarely seen out and about during the day time, therefore Kruger Park patrons will have to take a special night drive if they are keen to see these animals in action!