kemonomichi
keh-MOH-noh-mee-chee
Japanese for "beast trail" — the paths animals wear into a landscape by instinct and repetition. Urban planners call them desire lines and the French call them chemin de l'âne, donkey paths. Every language names this phenomenon because every landscape displays it. Hikers, climbers, and other recreationalists call them use trails, which, frankly, leaves a lot to be desired.
Etymology
Japanese: kemono (beast) + michi (path, road).
Notes
A Japanese manga series named Kemono Michi was published from 2016 to 2024. Its protagonist was a famous pro wrestler teleported into a fantasy world to slay the Demon King and become the hero. However, due to his deep love for animals, Genzō Shibata refused to kill monsters, preferring instead to capture them alive to become the owner of a pet shop. He was accompanied by his companion dog, Hiroyuki.
*
Surprise Me With a Word