In the serene foothills of Japan’s Northern Alps, an unusual battle unfolds between humans and monkeys. Armed with bright orange vests, bells, whistles, and walking sticks, a dedicated group known as the Monkey Chasing Squad patrols the region. Their mission: to herd Japanese macaques back into the mountains and away from farms and homes. Using GPS trackers, they monitor the monkeys’ movements and coordinate efforts to keep the animals at bay. While these primates are a major tourist attraction at Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they famously soak in hot springs, they are increasingly seen as pests by locals. The monkeys raid homes, steal food, and destroy crops, causing significant frustration. In 2022, Japan’s Agriculture Ministry reported crop damage from wild animals, including monkeys, totaling 15.6 billion yen ($100 million). The Monkey Chasing Squad, led by Masaya Miyake, has made progress in reducing the time macaques spend in villages, but challenges remain. Efforts to cull the monkeys have sparked debate, with ecologists warning that such measures could worsen the problem by disrupting troop dynamics. As human-monkey conflicts escalate, innovative solutions like electric fences and trained dogs are being explored. However, the squad’s work highlights the delicate balance between preserving wildlife and protecting livelihoods in Azumino.