Q: My husband and I recently moved to western-central Florida from Pennsylvania and have been delighted with the new wildlife we can see from our living room. However, recently we have noticed a group of 4 or 5 wild boar. At least that's what we think they are. They appear to be solid black, with hairy tails and a mane like a horse. They also tend to knock over plants and small bushes in the preserve area behind our house. They have never approached us, and we make sure to stay inside when they are out. Are these animals wild boar, wild pigs or something else? Everything I have read online makes wild boar out to be HUGE animals, and these appear to be maybe 30-40 pounds at most. We're just curious as to what these animals are, so we can learn more about them. We are by no means looking to harm them or feed and befriend them, just satisfy our curiosity. Your help would be greatly appreciated. -- Karen
A: It's possible that the animals are wild pigs, which can be very large in some parts of the world. In Florida, you have to remember that many animals are smaller. The reduced size of animals in Florida is explained by what's called Bergmann's Rule: basically, warm-blooded animals like mammals tend to be smaller in the warmer part of their range. Heat leaves smaller bodies more quickly, but heat is retained better by larger ones. This helps animals survive in their respective climates. That's why Florida's deer, squirrels, bears, etc. are generally smaller than those you'll find to the north, even though they are the same species.
The pigs probably weigh more than 40 pounds, even though they don't look like it. These pigs aren't native to Florida and are considered nuisance animals because they tear up native vegetation. If you see furrows of dirt turned up in a natural area, that's usually evidence of a wild pig looking for food. According to a state park ranger I once spoke with, they are descendants of pigs that Spanish explorers brought with them when they tried to settle here hundreds of years ago.
My personal experience with these wild pigs is that they are either too interested in eating to bother you, or they run away when they see you.
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