Taichung's Dadu Mountain: Embedded Nails Found Near Electric Towers, Suspected Wild Boar Deterrent

An unusual and potentially dangerous situation unfolded on Taichung's Dadu Mountain, where residents discovered nails embedded in the ground near Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) transmission towers. The discovery sparked immediate concern, not only for the safety of off-road enthusiasts whose tires could be punctured but also for the structural integrity of the vital electrical infrastructure. Fortunately, swift action by the Wuri police led to the removal of the nails, averting immediate harm.

The investigation revealed that the area in question is designated as agricultural forest land under the Ministry of Agriculture, not Taipower property. While the exact perpetrators remain unidentified, speculation points towards a local effort to deter wild boars. These animals are known to dig vigorously around the base of the towers in search of food, a behavior that could potentially undermine the foundations and lead to instability, especially during typhoons or heavy rains. The theory is that embedding nails was intended to cause pain to the boars' noses, discouraging them from digging near the towers.

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How insane must one be to bury nails on the road?

Taipower clarified that their land extends only about two meters from the tower base, and the area where the nails were found is significantly further away, confirming it falls outside their direct jurisdiction. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights a localized, albeit misguided, attempt to solve a wildlife-related problem. The incident underscores the complex relationship between human infrastructure, wildlife, and land management in Taiwan.

From our perspective at Liberty Times, this story is a vivid example of the challenges faced in balancing development with environmental coexistence. While the intention might have been to protect critical infrastructure from wildlife damage, the method employed was hazardous and inappropriate. It serves as a reminder that such issues require coordinated efforts between relevant authorities, including Taipower and agricultural departments, to find safe and effective solutions. The quick response in removing the nails prioritized public safety, but the underlying issue of managing wildlife interactions with infrastructure remains a pertinent concern for Taiwan.

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The Taichung District Office of Taipower emphasizes that Taipower's tower land is within approximately 2 meters of the foundation's outer edge. From the photos provided by the informant, the land reclamation area is more than 20 meters away from the tower foundation, and it is not Taipower's land. It is believed to be done by other individuals to prevent wild boars from 'madly digging the earth' around the towers.