Refers to animals that cause damage to crops, property, or ecosystems, such as wild boars, deer, or rats. Often used in agricultural, environmental, or pest-control contexts.
In this area, wild boars are treated as harmful animals.
We hired a specialist pest-control company.
害虫 is specifically for harmful insects, whereas 害獣 refers to harmful animals like wild boars or deer that damage crops or property.
Compound of 害 (harm) and 獣 (beast, animal). The term is a straightforward Sino-Japanese coinage for animals considered harmful.