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Apple orchards in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, are suffering severe damage from wild boars. The ground has been extensively rooted up, and roughly one-third of an affected orchard has been damaged this year, following similar issues last year. Local authorities are stepping up efforts to capture the boars.

Widespread Damage to Apple Orchards by Wild Boars

Apple orchards in Nambu-cho, Aomori Prefecture, are experiencing significant damage due to wild boars. The boars root up the soil and grass to feed on earthworms and other underground organisms, leaving the orchard ground uneven and bumpy. An affected farmer stated that while last year's damage was challenging to rectify, this year's situation is even worse. One orchard reportedly suffered damage to approximately one-third of its total area this year.

Increased Captures and Countermeasures

According to Nambu-cho, the number of captured wild boars was 6 in 2024, but it surged to 40 last year, indicating an increase in the boar population and their frequent appearance in agricultural areas. Farmers are expressing distress over the wasted labor incurred in repairing the boar damage. In response, Nambu-cho has installed box traps in affected orchards to capture the boars and mitigate further damage.

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-04-07)*

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