Peccaries are a medium-sized animals with a strong resemblance to a pig. However, they are not pigs but belong to the same suborder as pigs, which is the suborder suina of artiodactyl. This is an aggressive creature who smells quite offensively and is often found grubbing on the ground.

First found in the fossil records of the late Eocene period in Europe, these animals are common in Central and South America today. There are two species in Costa Rica and are the collared peccary and white-lipped peccary.

Because they are aggressive, it is not possible to domesticate the peccary. They are, however, social animals and live in herds of up to 100 individuals. They mark their territory with a scent and the range is up to 2.8 sq. km  (700-acres).

Peccaries — Appearance

The peccary has a snout that looks like a pig and it can grow to 1.3m (4 ft) in length and weigh up to 40kg (90 lbs).  Like pigs, the peccary uses the two middle digits for walking.

Peccaries are omnivores and eat small animals, as well as grass, seeds, fruit and roots.

Peccaries — Reproduction

Collared peccaries are polygamous and there's an alpha male which is responsible for most of the herd's breeding. The dominant male takes care of the female once she is impregnated. Breeding occurs throughout the year.

Gestation lasts on average about 145 days and the young are born and kept in hollow logs, caves or burrows. Young are nursed until 8 weeks of age and stay with the mother for 2-3 months. Litter sizes range between 1-4.