The even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla, (from Greek artios, meaning even, and daktylos, meaning finger or toe) are ungulates (hoofed animals) whose weight is borne equally by the third and fourth toes. By contrast, odd-toed ungulates, such as horses, bear their weight primarily on their third toe.

Except for domesticate species, most artiodactyl are reclusive, staying far away from all human contact which makes them hard to spot much less photograph.

The exception to this reclusive tendency is when the animals are in the protected environment of a national park or wildlife refuge. In these places, they go about their daily task of grazing in spite of the close proximity of humans. Always remember, wild animals are just that, Wild, so do not approach them!

There are 10 families, about 84 genera and roughly 270 artiodactyl species which include: alpacas, bison, camels, cattle, deer, giraffes, goats, hippopotamuses, llamas, mouse-deer, elk, moose, pigs, peccaries, pronghorn, and sheep, many of which are of great dietary, economic, and cultural importance to humans.

The wise men of the world have included whales in this order because in all their wisdom, they believe that land animals evolved from marine animals. However, according to the Bible, whales were (created according to their kind, or species) on the fifth creative day. (Genesis 1: 20-23) All of the land animals were not created according to their kind until the sixth creative day. (Genesis 1: 24-25) Therefore, whale despite being created first, did not evolve into land animals. Instead, the land animals were created at a later date. Therefore, according to the Bible, the whales in this list, are in a separate order called Cetacea.

The family Suidae are commonly called boars, hogs, or pigs. There are eighteen extant species found across most of Eurasia and Africa. The family includes the domestic pig, numerous species of wild pig, and the warthog.

All suids, or swine, are native to the Old World, and are a group of generalist omnivores, and lack many of the extreme adaptations seen in other ungulates.

They are medium-sized mammals (although some individuals may weigh over to 700 pounds), with relatively short legs, a compact body, and a long, pointed head. The Suidae appeared in the mid-Oligocene, and have survived to the present day with only minor changes to the basic body plan.