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A little reason to celebrate

National Pig Day

Animal · March 1

A day for appreciating pigs: clever, social farm animals that root, wallow and communicate with a surprising range of grunts and squeals.

National Pig Day falls on Monday, March 1, 2027. That is 125 days away.

Pigs are domesticated farm animals with a reputation that rarely matches the real thing. They are curious, social and quick to learn, and they spend much of their day investigating the world with their noses.

That snout is a remarkable tool. Pigs use it to root through soil for roots, bulbs and other food, and their sense of smell is keen. People have long relied on it, which is why pigs have been used to find truffles underground.

The mud has an explanation too. Pigs have very few working sweat glands, so they wallow to cool off, and a coat of mud also helps shield their skin from sun and insects. Given a choice, many pigs keep their sleeping area clean and separate from where they wallow.

They talk a lot. Grunts, squeals and snorts all carry meaning, and mother pigs grunt to their piglets while nursing. A group of pigs settles into a social order and tends to stick with familiar companions.

For anyone who wants to meet pigs in person, a farm sanctuary or a petting farm with staff on hand is the right place, since the people who care for the animals know how each one likes to be treated. Watching from the fence is often the best part. A pig working over a patch of fresh straw, nose first, is a creature fully absorbed in its job.

Ways to celebrate

• Visit a farm sanctuary and follow the staff's guidance around the animals.
• Read a book or watch a documentary about how pigs live and communicate.
• Donate a little to a sanctuary that cares for rescued pigs.
• Share a favorite pig fact with a friend or a curious kid.

Dates

All national days on March 1

Also on March 1

• National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
• National Horse Protection Day
• National Fruit Compote Day
• Share a Smile Day

Categories: Animal days