Ibaraki, a Japanese prefecture with almost no bear population, has raised eyebrows with the presence of armed hunting squads. Members of the local community have voiced concern and curiosity over the necessity of these squads, which are typically used to manage bear activity. The issue first came to light as a news headline, leaving residents and officials alike in a state of puzzlement.

In Japan, areas with bear populations often deploy hunting squads as a method of population control and safety measure for inhabitants. The sight of these groups in Ibaraki, an area with almost no reported bear sightings, has sparked conversation about the necessity of such measures and their potential impact on the local environment and wildlife.

In the US or EU, hunting squads or patrols would typically be found in bear-populated areas as a method to manage potential conflict between humans and the animals. The presence of such squads in an area noticeably lacking the animal would be surprising and potentially controversial.