Red River Hog

While at the Red River Hog exhibit make sure to share the following information with those that are with you. The student worksheets have blanks for them to fill in. The answers are the BOLD words in the following statements:

1. Red River Hog (RRH) are the most COLORFUL of the pig family and are also the SMALLEST of the African pigs on average. How big do they get? UP TO 50 INCHES LONG AND WEIGH UP TO 285 POUNDS.

2. RRH’s are also called TUFTED PIG!

3. RRH’s SWIM UNDER WATER to escape predators.

4. Male RRH’s have an ELONGATED snout that features two well-developed TUSKS!

5. A group of RRH’s are called SOUNDERS!

6. What are the "warts" on the male RRH's snouts used for? THEY PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM TUSK DAMAGE DURING FIGHTS.

7. Why do you think RRH’s follow chimpanzees? TO FIND DROPPED FRUIT TO EAT.

BONUS:
Here's some additional information for you to share with those that are with you:

A. RRH’s typically live in small groups of approximately six to ten animals. Usually there’s a single adult male, and a number of adult females with their young. However, in certain environments, groups numbering more than 30 have been observed.
B. There’s a good reason RRH’S like to swim as well as wallow in the mud. This allows them to cool down, and it also helps control parasites.
C. Take a look at the “tassels” on their ears. If threatened, these tassels along with the hair on their faces and manes straighten out to make the animal appear larger and more threatening to predators.