Hi Stephen
As Bushsnuffler says, it’s possible that you had more than one hog visiting. But it’s also possible that he decided not to hibernate after all, or even that he came out of hibernation for a short while. Then there’s the possibility of cats, or rats eating the food. Cats tend to lick the bowl clean, whereas hogs aren’t so likely to.
It’s also possible he is hibernating somewhere nearby. Becoming fond of wild animals gives us a lot of worry, as well as a lot of pleasure. Hibernation time is always worrying – not all of the hogs will survive, but all we can do is hope for the best and look forward to seeing a hog or few in the Spring. Every hog that returns from hibernation is a joy to see.
I would keep leaving some food out as long as it’s being taken, in the hope it is a hog eating it. And water all the time, of course.
It’s lovely that you have other wildlife visiting your garden too.
