How are the truffles hunted?
Although dogs are the most employed animal in European truffle hunting it comes much more naturally to pigs. Truffles emit an aroma similar to sexual hormones, to which female pigs or sows are attracted. Because of this inborn attraction, hunters can avoid the expensive and time-consuming task of training truffle dogs. A well-trained truffle dog may sell for as much as twenty thousand dollars. However, one drawback to the porcine is their limited mobility. Truffle hunting can require covering large areas of land therefore many hunters will carry their pig in a wheelbarrow or under their arm until alerted by a squeal. Besides their physical handicap, pigs, unlike dogs, can be very stubborn and temperamental. When the pig finds the truffle her instinct is to eat it, therefore the moments following discovery are a struggle between hunter and pig. The hunter usually wins but if the pig is not occasionally rewarded with a small portion of his treasure, it is common for the pig to stop obeyi
