The Only Other Animal That Gets Sunburned

Sunburn — a word most of us associate with long beach days, missed sunscreen, and uncomfortable red skin. But did you know that humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from this uncomfortable condition? There’s one other animal that shares this rather painful experience with us: the pig.

Pigs and Their Surprising Sensitivity

Unlike most animals that are covered in fur, feathers, or scales, pigs have relatively bare skin, especially domestic pigs that are often light-colored or pink. This lack of protective covering makes them vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays, much like us.

This is especially true for pigs raised on farms where they spend time outdoors in open fields. Without adequate shelter or shade, pigs can suffer from sunburn, showing symptoms like redness, blistering, and even peeling skin. It’s not just cosmetic — in severe cases, sunburn can cause significant pain and skin damage, leading to distress and health issues.

Nature’s Sunscreen: Mud Baths

One of the reasons pigs love to wallow in mud isn't because they’re dirty — it’s for protection. Mud acts as a natural sunscreen, coating their skin in a layer that blocks UV rays. It also helps regulate their body temperature, as pigs don’t have sweat glands.

So when pigs roll around in muddy puddles, they’re not just cooling off. They’re actually shielding their sensitive skin from the sun’s harsh rays. This behavior shows how animals instinctively protect themselves using the resources available in their environment.

The Importance of Shade

Farmers and animal caretakers who raise pigs outdoors must provide shaded areas or shelters to prevent sunburn. In some modern farms, pigs are even given access to indoor pens during peak sunlight hours, or shaded wallows are built specifically for them.

When pigs do get sunburned, caretakers may apply special ointments or even human-grade sunscreen to the affected areas. However, prevention is always the better strategy.

Piglets Are Even More Vulnerable

Just like human babies, piglets have even more delicate skin than adult pigs. This makes them more prone to sunburn and overheating. In free-range settings, mother pigs often lead their piglets to shaded or muddy areas to protect them from sun exposure.

Beyond the Burn: What It Teaches Us

This simple fact — that pigs can get sunburned — reminds us of how closely animals and humans can resemble each other in unexpected ways. It also highlights the importance of animal welfare and understanding their needs, especially in farming environments.

Some researchers have even used pig skin as a model for studying human skin due to its similar thickness and structure, which further explains why pigs are susceptible to similar skin problems as us.

Final Thought

It might sound strange, but the humble pig shares a sun-sensitive secret with humans. Their soft, exposed skin is prone to burns from the sun, making mud and shade essential parts of their daily lives. The next time you apply sunscreen or seek shelter under a tree on a sunny day, remember — pigs do it too, in their own muddy way.

This fun, unexpected fact is a great reminder that nature is full of hidden connections. And sometimes, the animals we least expect turn out to be more like us than we imagined.

Hungry for More?

From dragons that feast like kings to pigs with sunburns, the animal kingdom never fails to surprise. Stick around — there’s always another wild fact waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s a creature with a superpower, a strange habit, or a curious adaptation, nature has plenty more stories to share. So grab a snack, stay curious, and dive deeper into the fascinating world of animals!