Starving North Koreans turn to eating wild animals as famine deepens

Famine pushes North Koreans to hunt protected animals for food.

Hunger grips the hermit kingdom

In the face of worsening famine and economic collapse, desperate North Koreans are reportedly hunting and eating wild animals — including tigers, badgers, and bears.

According to The Daily Star, a new interview with 42 defectors paints a grim picture of survival in a country where food shortages have reached crisis levels.

When the state stops feeding its people

The breakdown of North Korea’s public food distribution system has pushed citizens to rely on whatever they can catch.

Hunters, former soldiers, and traders say that mass hunting began during the devastating 1990s famine — and never truly stopped, even after the economy briefly stabilized.

Every creature becomes fair game

In an interview with The Times, Joshua Elves-Powell of University College London said, “almost every mammal species in North Korea larger than a hedgehog is opportunistically captured for food or trade.”

The report, published in Biological Conservation, reveals that even highly protected animals are being killed and sold, often illegally.

Rare species at risk

Among the species now threatened by hunger-driven hunting are the Siberian tiger, Amur leopard, and sable — a small forest mammal also prized for its fur.

Other animals reportedly being eaten include bears, otters, deer, foxes, and the long-tailed goral, a goat-like mountain species native to the Korean peninsula.

From famine to extinction threat

Researchers warn that the ongoing wildlife trade could push several endangered species to the brink of extinction.

Some animals are being bred on state-run farms for their body parts, with evidence suggesting cross-border trafficking into China despite strict international protections.

What tiger and badger meat taste like

Tiger meat is described as tough, sinewy, and sometimes fishy — similar to goat or pork. Badger meat, on the other hand, is lean and gamey, with a flavor compared to wild rabbit or venison.

Long cooking is said to soften the texture and reduce strong odors, though eating either animal is illegal in most countries.

Kim’s luxury amid hunger

While North Koreans struggle to find food, Kim Jong-un continues to live in luxury, drawing sharp criticism for allowing his people to starve.

Defectors say the regime remains focused on control and propaganda rather than reforming its failing food system.

New crackdowns and social control

In a bizarre turn, Kim’s government has reportedly launched a campaign against cosmetic surgery, declaring breast implants

Security forces have been ordered to question women suspected of undergoing the procedure, with some facing severe punishment — even labor camps — for defying the regime’s moral codes.

This article is made and published by auk1, which may have used AI in the preparation