Wild hogs dig and there is no question about that. Look at that nose. And yes, we have observed them digging.



They also use other burrows as well. Several of our observations of wild hogs digging, they dug into exsisting large burrows. The opposite also occured, they used large burrows that led to their own burrows. So yes, they do both.



They also emerge from undrground and bask right in front of that exit burrow(just big enough to squeeze into, then go back into the earth.



Of all the hogs I have observed, only one was off the ground and only a few inches. It was a neonate that had a large food bolus, it was laying on top of a small plant basking in the early mourning sun. The truth is, where I am observing them, there is very little to climb on. Its flat, no outcrops or trees, only small bushes, and of course, lots of grass(at wet times of the year).



I have observed them out and moving in air temps from 45F to 90F. I have seen them out at hotter temps, but not at this study. Only two have been out and crawling below 50F, one @ 45F the other @48F.



I cannot remember if it was you that mentioned a study where 82F was the mean average BT. I would not argue that, but that temps IS NOT so IMPORTANT. Or at least totally meaningful.



Snakes(all reptiles) must reach temps that match the task at hand. In this case, to crawl efficently, they must raise their body temps into the 80's, If they are below that, or if they drop below that, they lose the ability to escape. That is to crawl quickly. They can and do crawl slowly at much lower temps, Its just not safe to be in the open without full ability. So they don't. At cooler temps they move under cover.



In most cases in the summer, they move to just below the surface and raise their temps before moving out, then they move quickly to their destination. If the mass(ground surface) is not hot enough, they may bask by the entrance before heading out. These outside(out of the ground) event are quick, then back into the earth they go. Usually in the 15 to 30 min. range. They commonly do this twice a day. Of course most days, they do not surface at all.



Hogs do appear to be very very diurnal. But then I have not investigated in the hottest time of the year. I will this year.



About shoe boxes, and please, its only my opinion. Its not about the boxes, its about the keepers. Tubs, racks, shoe boxes, break down snakes to a common denominator. That is, to feed, crap, grow, breed, and die. Which all species of snakes do(the same). Yet, this forum is a hognose forum, but it could be any snake, as they all eat, grow, breed, and lay eggs/babies. What makes hognose, different is their behavior, why do they have that nose, why the short stubby body, why are they soft yet strong as heck????? Why do they feed like they do, you know, no worries about head first. All these things and many more are what makes hognose, HOGNOSE. Yet, a rack system breaks them down to any other snake. Which I guess is why morphs are popular rack system reptiles. They become trading cards, not species or individuals. Each drawer has a different card(analogy)



Please understand, Thats great if that is what interest those keepers. Each person has the right to keep snakes for their own reasons. And that includes you and I. If we want to see BEHAVIOR, then rack systems and recipe husbandry is not the way to express species specific behavior or even individual behavior. Enough of that. hahahahahahaha



Anyway, to me, its what they "do" thats the fun and educational, of course, "pretty" or "rare" is great as well, both together, is as good as it gets. Sorry for the rant, I just think there is room for many approaches when keeping reptiles. And this forum would be much more interesting if they are included. Best wishes and have a great day

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