Inoshishi- wild boars

inoshishi, originally uploaded by vibromama.

One of the only wild animals found in Amakusa is the wild boar. These animals rule the mountains, digging up baby bamboo, sweet potatoes and every other edible root vegetable. This destructive behavior lends these animals a deservedly bad reputation. The farmers retaliate by installing electric fencing around all fields and setting up traps in strategic locations. These thin wires add extra shocking obstacles to our mountain biking trails. We have yet to see a wild boar caught in one of these traps, although when we are biking we often come across large groups of these clever, cute and stinky animals.

The story goes that a long time ago, there were no wild boars in Amakusa. These brave animals apparently swam across the Yatsushiro Sea from mainland Kyushu to our fine island. Go figure!