They find food commonly in the soil and will occasionally forage in the form of human or animal flesh, however these "bota" being nocturnal in nature rarely stumble upon humans. They are said to come out to pursue children who did not wear their trousers. The presence of a "bota" is also believed to be associated with someone's death or loss: if a resident is found to be missing, they believe the "Bota" is responsible and residents have violated the taboo of "bota" 'existence' in the area.