There are many everyday human abilities we often take for granted, such as the simple act of looking up. While it seems like a basic motion, not all animals share this capacity. A surprising example is the pig, which, due to its anatomy, is unable to look directly up at the sky in the way humans do.

Pigs have eyes located on the sides of their heads, a common trait among prey animals. This eye placement provides them with a wide field of vision—around 310 degrees—which is excellent for spotting predators. However, it comes with limitations, including blind spots directly above and in front of their snouts.

This anatomical structure limits their vertical range of sight. Pigs only have about 50 degrees of upward vision, which makes directly looking up difficult. So, while they are not completely blind to what’s above them, they can’t simply tilt their heads up to look at the sky.

That’s why it’s said: “The answer is the pig” when referring to animals that can’t look up easily. It’s not that pigs are incapable of seeing above—they just need to get creative.

When pigs want to observe something tall or high up, they rely on indirect strategies. They might step back to see from a better angle or tilt their heads in a sidelong glance. These adaptations help them work around their anatomical limits.

Another method pigs use is lying on their backs. By rolling over, pigs can get a direct view of the sky or anything overhead. While it’s not their natural posture, it offers a rare opportunity for them to enjoy a full upward perspective.

So, although pigs can see the sky, they do so through unconventional means, making their way of looking up both limited and fascinating.