Li Xiang counted carefully. The sounder of wild boars that had invaded Lei Family Gully totaled eight: one boar, two sows, and five piglets.
It was actually quite easy to tell the males from the females. There were many distinguishing features. For example, a male boar's head was thicker and its neck was stout and short, with a distinct ruff. Its tusks were usually exposed, giving it a fierce, dominant appearance.
Female boars, or sows, were often smaller than the males, with lighter builds, and their tusks were generally not visible.
Then there were the differences in reproductive organs, and so on.
Autumn and winter were the mating season for wild boars, which was why the male was with the sounder. At other times, he might have been solitary.
If a male boar was seen alone during this season, it meant he was either driven out of a group or had failed to find a mate.
