warthog family | pen & ink

Warthog families are wonderfully comical and spirited creatures, often seen trotting through the bush in tight little groups with the piglets hustling behind their mother. One of their most charming quirks is the way they run with their tails held straight up like little flags — a practical trick that helps the youngsters keep sight of her in tall grass, while also signaling to anyone nearby that danger is close and the family is on the move. Despite their almost humorous appearance, warthog mothers are fiercely protective. If a leopard threatens her piglets, she won’t hesitate to charge, slash with her tusks, or dart into a burrow to shield them. Behind the playful energy is a tight-knit family that survives through alertness, speed, and an unshakable bond.