The Wart hog's disproportionately large heads have down-pointing nostrils on rubbery snouts and small eyes beneath ears that move up or sideways according to mood.
Adults are gray, black or brown, and the young are pinkish.
Their hides are almost hairless except for a bristly mane along the backbone. They can run 34 mph on tiny feet. When running, their tufted tails are held erect. Wart Hogs prefer plains regions and avoid forests. They inhabit Africa south of the Sahara except at the southern tip of the continent.