Wild pigs can be found across Europe and Asia, Northern Africa, and on many of the Indonesian isles. Feral domestic pigs have become established worldwide, and take on the characteristics of their wild ancestors. Unlike domestic pigs, wild pigs invariably have a coat of bristly hair. Wild pigs are often called wild boar, although the term boar more properly refers only to a male pig. Females are called sows.
Wild pigs will make simple nests by cutting grass and spreading it into a mat. They then crawl under the mat for shelter.
Pigs will gather into groups of as many as 100 individuals, although groups of 20 are more common in Europe while feral pigs in the Americas tend to be more solitary. The basic unit of pig society is the mother and her litter - as many as 12 striped piglets can seen following their mother around as she forages.
Wild pigs are hunted by humans for food, sport, and because they damage crops. Pigs will usually flee when given the chance, but a harassed, cornered, or wounded pig is a dangerous adversary due to its size, strength, and slashing tusks.