Is it safe to swim with the pigs in the Bahamas?

Pigs May Not Fly, But They Can Swim! If you’re ready to see the swimming pigs of the Bahamas, look no further than Big Major Cay, Abaco, Rose Island, and Freeport.5 Oct 2021

Why is Pig Island Bad?

“Like anyone, too much sun is not good. Pigs can get skin cancer and other illnesses and likely suffer for a long time without treatment.” She also reminded me that in nature, pigs coat themselves in mud as natural sun protectant, but on the sandy beach in the Caribbean, they don’t have access to mud.

What happened to the pigs in the Bahamas?

A mysterious wave of deaths recently struck Big Major Cay, the uninhabited Bahamas island famous for its tourist-friendly swimming pigs. Up to half of the pig colony died and the bodies were tossed into the sea, according to reports from over the weekend.28 Feb 2017

Are the pigs in Bahamas wild?

Meet Exuma’s Adorable and Famous Swimming Pigs Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some say they were left by a group of sailors, who planned to come back and cook them.

Can you swim with wild pigs in the Bahamas?

Exuma is the only place in the world which offers this unique experience, and Pig Beach is the go-to hot-spot for this unusual vacation activity – it’s definitely one you’ll remember for a long time to come. While the swimming pigs are feral, they are incredibly friendly.4 Apr 2019

What type of pigs are in the Bahamas?

The island takes its unofficial name from the fact that it is populated by a colony of feral pigs which live on the island. It has become a tourist attraction in modern times. The pigs are known in popular culture as “the swimming pigs” although other islands with swimming pigs exist in the Bahamas.

Why are there wild pigs in Bahamas?

The swimming pigs have populated the island for decades, but their actual origin is somewhat of a mystery. Local legend claims they swam ashore after a shipwreck or were left on the island by sailors who planned to come back and eat them, but never returned.4 Mar 2017

Are there pigs in Bahamas?

The pigs live on Big Major Cay, one of the over 365 islands in Exuma, a district of the Bahamas. Also known as Pig Beach (for obvious reasons), the island is about 82 miles southeast of Nassau, and about 50 miles northwest of George Town.19 May 2017

Are the Bahamas pigs okay?

Local legend claims they swam ashore after a shipwreck or were left on the island by sailors who planned to come back and eat them, but never returned. Currently, boats can drive up to the pigs, and it’s legal for tourists to swim with and feed them. (Why we love—and loathe—the humble pig.)4 Mar 2017

Do the pigs in the Bahamas bite?

3) The Swimming Pigs poop and bite Some of the swimming pigs have giant tusks and they have been known to bite some unsuspecting tourists if you don’t watch your back or hands!18 Aug 2018

Will a pig bite you?

Although a pig may bite for many reasons, fear is one. If a pig has been badly handled in the past, it may respond by biting out of fear, even when new owners are kind and display none of the actions associated with past situations.11 Aug 2017

Can a pig bite your finger off?

When mini pigs are given treats from near or above their head, they learn what’s called “snapping” and can end up biting your hand or fingers when taking the treat.27 Jun 2015

Is swimming with pigs safe?

While the swimming pigs are feral, they are incredibly friendly. They’ll let you swim right up to them if they don’t get to you first. Gently touching and petting the pigs is acceptable, but as a general rule treat the pigs with respect and they will do the same.4 Apr 2019