In Japanese folklore, kitsune are foxes that possess paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser. According to folklore, the kitsune can bewitch people, they have the ability to shapeshift into human or other forms, and to trick or fool human beings. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others as foxes in folklore often do, other stories portray them as loyal friends and lovers. A kitsune usually eats their houseguests alive.