In Japan's Northern Alps, residents battle monkeys to protect homes and farms

A monkey rests on a branch of a tree in the woods near a residential area in Azumino, central Japan, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

AZUMINO, Japan (AP) — In the foothills of Japan’s Northern Alps, people are chasing monkeys.

Wearing bright orange vests, the humans ring bells, blow whistles and strike rocks and trees with walking sticks as they weave through bamboo and brush. Using GPS trackers, they follow the monkeys’ movements and radio teammates to close in when nearby. The aim is to herd the animals back into the mountains and away from farms and homes.

About 90 kilometers (55 miles) to the south, Jigokudani Monkey Park attracts more than 200,000 visitors a year — half of them from overseas — who come to see the same species soak in the hot springs.

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