Wild pigs, both male and female, develop prominent canine teeth that continuously grow and protrude from their mouths, forming what are commonly referred to as tusks. These tusks are self-sharpening due to the constant grinding of the lower tusks against the upper ones. In males, the upper canines grow upwards and outwards, curving towards the sky, while the lower canines are longer and sharper. Female tusks are generally smaller and less curved.
These elongated teeth serve multiple crucial purposes for the animals’ survival. They are essential tools for foraging, enabling them to root up the ground in search of food such as roots, tubers, and invertebrates. Additionally, tusks are formidable weapons used for defense against predators and for establishing dominance within their social hierarchy. The size and sharpness of the tusks can often indicate an individual pig’s age and social standing within the group. Historically, the presence and characteristics of these tusks have also influenced human perceptions and hunting practices related to wild pigs across various cultures.