Hi Hogmeister
Are you sure that both the hogs are males, because what you are describing – the hog puffing and snorting and going backwards – sounds more like a female to me. I have never seen a male attacking a female here before, but if it was a fairly immature female, she may have been a bit timid and have thought she was going to be attacked and rolled up to avoid it. Or he could have been confused by her scent and been a bit over bumptious. The rest of HIS behaviour (in your recent description) sounds like a male thinking of making advances to a female. They often go up to them and almost turn their heads a bit sideways. This sometimes then develops into a courtship ‘dance’. This could also explain why he waited for the other hog to appear, but the fact it did not proceed MAY, perhaps, have indicated she was a fairly young female. Or, I sometimes think they must be able to tell when a female is pregnant or, perhaps even nursing but that is only me wondering.
Re. the nesting. It certainly sounds promising for hibernation, but I have never (knowingly) had a hog hibernate in my garden. You are very lucky he’s nesting in your hog box at all and fingers crossed for a safe hibernation. Interesting that it is so near the feeding area. Have you joined in the hog house survey?
