Pig, domestic or wild swine, is a member of the Suidae family of mammals. All domestic swine are referred to as “pigs” in Britain, while “hogs” are used in the United States to refer to younger swine that are not yet ready for the market and typically weigh less than 82 kilograms (180 pounds).

Pigs are omnivorous mammals with thick, sparsely bristled skin and stout bodies and short legs. There are two functional and two nonfunctional digits on their hooves. The wild pigs that are still present in European, Asian, and North African forests are the source of domestic pigs in North America. Although wild pigs are not actually native to North America, it is believed that they were brought to the mainland in the early 1500s on Christopher Columbus’ second voyage in 1493.

Although domestic pigs’ tusklike teeth are not as developed as those of their wild kin, who use the sharp ends to forage for roots and as a defensive weapon, there is little difference between wild pigs, also known as boars, and domestic swine. Wild pigs can live for more than 25 years.