Sounded bizarre until:

According to N.C. Wildlife, illegally harvesting wild ginseng can be "detrimental" due to the plant's slow growth and non-sustainable harvesting techniques.

So why are people doing it:?

Officials said ginseng in the Appalachian Mountains is "highly prized" and "among the most valuable" due to its shape, slow growth and high concentration of ginsenosides. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service article reports wild ginseng can sell for $500 or more per dry pound.

Oh.