Occasionally they consume rabbits, rats, and birds, and on rare occasion alligators. Hogs are descendants of escaped hogs brought to Florida by the Spanish, and armadillos are originally from South America.
Hogs are smaller than deer, but they are easier to catch.
Hundreds of wild hogs were released in Big Cypress between 1961 and 1977 for humans to hunt. Today wild hogs are most abundant on the drier private lands to the north of Big Cypress National Preserve. Panthers feeding on large prey are heavier and healthier than those that feed on small prey. A panther has to kill and eat about 10 raccoons to equal the food value of 1 deer. To maintain their health and fitness, adult panthers need to consume 1 deer or hog per week.