The Japanese island of Aoshima used to have a population of around 900. That was a while ago. These days, only 22 people live on the island – and it’s been taken over by cats.
Yes, you read that right. To be a bit more specific, the cats on the island outnumber the humans by a ratio of 6:1, with over 120 of the animals roaming wild around the town.
So, how did this all get started? Well, Aoshima used to have a problem with mice messing with their fishing boats, so some bright spark came up with the idea to bring in a few cats to solve the problem. The only thing he forgot to do was get the cats neutered.
The residents don’t have many problems with mice anymore, but they do now have an island with a whole lot more cats than people, and the feline population is only going to continue to grow.
According to Sky News, the cats have survived by rummaging through the local crops and food left in the rubbish.
The strange scenario has brought increased tourism to the island in Southern Japan, but it’s hardly ideal for the residents, who now have a crew of hungry cats following them around and humping in their back gardens every time they turn their back.
How to solve the problem? Bring in five or ten bears perhaps… and just remember not to think about the long term.
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