Florida's wild hogs are often referred to as feral hogs or swine. It is believed that hogs were first brought to Florida, and possibly the United States, in 1539, when Hernando de Soto brought swine to a settlement he established at Charlotte Harbor in Lee County.
Hogs have relatively poor physiological cooling mechanisms and keep from overheating by wallowing in mud and water. Wallowing also helps hogs rid themselves of ticks, fleas, lice and other external parasites. They will wallow in almost any wet area. In cooler weather, hogs may seek open areas that allow maximum warming from the sun.
Although they are opportunistic and omnivorous feeders, the favorite food of wild hogs is acorns. In Florida, wild hogs breed year round with peaks in the breeding cycle during fall and spring.
This cache is located in the Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve. The Aquatic Preserve was established in 1966 and consists primarily of the Estero River and its tributaries. As you walk the trails you will see scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, salt marshes and salt flats bordering the mangroves. Please remain on marked trails. All plants and animals are protected within the preserve. During the rainy season, parts of this trail are under water. Plan on getting your feet wet and muddy! During the dry season, you will encounter sugar sand.