Pigs.

A viral video showing a pig saving a drowning goat is now known to have been faked, according to the New York Times. The video, which went viral within hours of being posted last September, was actually created as part of a Comedy Central television series. In the video, a goat appears to be struggling to stay afloat in a pond when a brave pig swims up to it, apparently all on its own, and nudges the goat to the safety of the shore. What looked to be a candid, amateur clip was in truth elaborately staged, with animal trainers, scuba ...

A virus discovered this year is a serious concern to animals and humans alike. According to Wired, a new SARS-like pathogen is not only affecting people, but pigs, bats and possibly more animals, as well. Researchers are using these findings to help track the source of the virus and see how wild animals play a role in its dispersal. The infection was first found in humans occurring this past summer in Saudi Arabia, when a man came down with severe pneumonia caused by an unknown microbe. After extensive testing, it was revealed the microbe was similar to SARS. So far, there have been nine known infections, including five deaths, as a result of this new virus. Epidemiologists are working ...

A couple of car jackers accidentally added another crime to their rap sheet when they stole a vehicle with a surprise passenger. According to KFOR-TV, thieves stole Wendy Thrasher's car from outside a house without realizing Thrasher's 330-lb pig was in the backseat. Thrasher has taken care of Penelope since the pot-bellied pig was 3 days old. Now 3 years old, Penelope is like a child to the caring pet owner. The woman was heartbroken to discover that both her car and beloved pig were missing. Thrasher didn't have to worry long; when she called the police to report the theft, they were already on the case. Authorities had received an earlier call about a totaled car, matching Thrasher's ...