Hi RichardMR
The spine colours of the hogs are normally pretty much the same on any particular hog, but can vary a bit in colour from one hog to another. But they can get other ‘contact’ patches of other substances if they are, i.e. rolled by another hog, in some mud, etc. Mud usually washes away fairly quickly, but oily substances, not so much.
It seems some hogs are purposely artificially marked, presumably to help people identify them easily – sometimes with geometric designs which I don’t think even the cleverest hogs would be purposefully, or even accidentally able to achieve.
Personally I prefer to see them in their natural beauty, especially as I know it is possible to identify them by their natural features. Artificial marks can sometimes cover up natural features and make it more difficult, but I still think natural identification is the best way to go and kindest to the hogs.
Having said that, it is entirely possible you are seeing multiple hogs. They have ranges which overlap – especially where there are good sources of food and water. If there are multiple hogs you may at some time see more than one at the same time. Then you might be able to tell whether they are male or female depending on how they interact.
Good luck! Happy hog watching.
