20 Facts About Pigs You Didn’t Know

Pigs Are Smarter Than You Think

Pigs are often underestimated when it comes to their intelligence. However, they are among the smartest animals on the planet. Studies have shown that pigs can solve puzzles, understand commands, and even play video games with more success than some primates. This intelligence makes them very curious and capable learners.

1. Pigs can learn how to navigate mazes, showing their problem-solving skills and excellent memory.
2. They recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness that only a few animals demonstrate.

Emotional Creatures

Not only are pigs intelligent, but they also have a wide range of emotions. They can feel joy, sadness, boredom, and fear. Pigs enjoy playing with each other, and they can form close bonds with humans and other animals.

3. Mother pigs sing to their young while nursing, which helps to strengthen their bond.
4. Pigs seek out and enjoy physical and social contact, which includes snuggling with one another to sleep.

Pigs Have Remarkable Senses

Pigs have an incredible sense of smell. They can detect odors buried deep underground, which is why they are used to find truffles, a type of fungus that is highly valued in culinary circles.

5. Their sense of smell is so strong that they can sniff out truffles from several inches underground.
6. Pigs also have a keen sense of direction and can find their way home over large distances.

Surprising Physical Abilities

Despite their bulky appearance, pigs are quite agile. They can run at speeds of up to 11 miles per hour. This agility helps them escape predators and explore their environment.

7. Pigs are also excellent swimmers and enjoy water, contrary to the common belief that they prefer to stay dirty.
8. They can jump over obstacles and climb out of enclosures if motivated.

Pigs and Their Love for Mud

Pigs rolling in mud is a familiar sight, but there's a practical reason behind this behavior. Mud acts as a natural sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburn. It also helps them cool down on hot days since they lack sweat glands.

9. The mud bath also provides protection against parasites and insects.
10. Contrary to popular belief, pigs are very clean animals. They prefer to relieve themselves far from where they eat or sleep.

Pigs in Culture and Economy

Pigs have been domesticated for thousands of years and play a significant role in many cultures around the world. They are raised for their meat, which is a staple in many diets, and they have also been symbols of wealth and prosperity.

11. The phrase "piggy bank" comes from the use of clay called "pygg" for making jars and pots to store money.
12. In some cultures, pigs are seen as symbols of fertility and abundance.

Conservation and Wild Pigs

While domestic pigs are plentiful, some wild species are endangered. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these species and their habitats.

13. The Visayan warty pig is one of the world's most endangered pig species, with only a few hundred left in the wild.
14. Wild pigs, such as the boar, are known for their resilience and adaptability, thriving in various environments around the globe.

Pigs' Contribution to Science and Medicine

Pigs play a crucial role in medical research due to their physiological similarities to humans. They are used in studies related to heart disease, diabetes, skin care, and organ transplantation.

15. Scientists have successfully used pig heart valves in human heart surgeries.
16. Pigs are also being studied for xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting organs from one species to another, which could potentially save many human lives.

Pigs and Their Diet

Pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet in the wild consists of leaves, roots, fruits, and small animals. Domestic pigs are fed a variety of grains, vegetables, and sometimes meat byproducts.

17. Pigs can eat almost anything they come across, which includes both plant and animal materials.
18. They have a strong preference for sweet foods and can taste sweetness, which is why they enjoy fruits so much.

The Social Life of Pigs

Pigs are social animals and prefer to live in groups. In the wild, pigs form close-knit communities called sounders, which are usually made up of females and their young.

19. Sounders work together to protect each other from predators and to find food.
20. Within these groups, pigs communicate with each other using different vocalizations, indicating alarm, contentment, and other emotions.

A Peek into the Pig Pen

Pigs, often underestimated, are creatures brimming with surprises. From their exceptional intelligence to their social nature, these animals offer more than meets the eye. They've shown us they can learn tricks, play video games, and even navigate mazes. Their sense of smell is unparalleled, aiding in truffle hunting and even medical research. Pigs also display a wide range of emotions and social behaviors, challenging our perceptions and treatment of them. This journey through pig facts isn't just about trivia; it's a call to recognize and respect the complexity of these fascinating animals. As we've seen, pigs are not just farm animals; they're intelligent, emotional beings with a lot to teach us about animal behavior, empathy, and the interconnectedness of all creatures. So next time you think of pigs, remember, there's a lot more to them than what's on the surface.