Several varieties of warthogs are found in Africa. These unattractive animals are related to Old World pigs, but they have larger bodies and longer legs. Mature male warthogs weigh up to 330 pounds. Their skin is tough and thick so that they are not easily hurt. Their name comes from large warts on their faces between their eyes and their four tusks. Males have bigger warts than females, because they help protect them in fights against other males. Their sharp, curved upper tusks, up to 10 or 11 inches long, grow out from the sides of their large snouts. They have another smaller set of tusks too.
Their general color is dull brown with some black. The front parts of their bodies are covered with long, bristly hair, but the rest is nearly bald. Tiny eyes at the top of their foreheads contrast with their large, hairy ears.
One look at a group of these fierce-looking creatures and most animals are immediately alert and will get away as quickly as possible. A traveler in Africa reported his experience this way: “Suddenly, from behind us, snorting and woofing, as up from a nearby swamp, with flyswatter tails bolt upright, trots a family of warthogs — father, mother and three young — all enameled in mud. We made a hasty exit and were relieved they did not take after us.”
A warthog is one of the fiercest looking of all animals, but actually they prefer to be peaceful. They often turn away from enemies, running at speeds of about 30 miles per hour with tails sticking straight up in the air. The sharp tusks are not just for fighting; they also use them to dig for edible roots and to enlarge empty dens to make a home for an expected family. In the heat of the day, they would much rather be wallowing in a soft, sticky mud bath than fighting.
When a family of these tough-looking beasts arrives at their den, the young ones (sometimes a dozen of them) go in first, and then the mother follows, usually with her head facing out to protect her young.
Messages of God’s Love 2/5/2023