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So Path of the Beast allows a Hunter to chose any non-riding animal from the GMG. The list on pg 126 contains swarms (bats and rats). Can the Hunter chose those? My only issue would be the following:

-Swarms seem stronger than the other animal choices
-From a roleplaying pov its hard to justify a non magic user controlling swarms. I mean a PC is not a vampire or sorcerer or druid that he could mystically command a bat swarm!

"You have an animal as a trusted companion"

I think the idea is that you have an animal that is your true companion, like a hunter's dog, not that you have a whole bunch of trusted companions. Perhaps a swarm with just strength one. 

"You have an animal as a trusted companion"

I think the idea is that you have an animal that is your true companion, like a hunter's dog, not that you have a whole bunch of trusted companions. Perhaps a swarm with just strength one. 

Could make sense to have a flock of ravens or a fragile of rats as your "companion". Would be insanely cool too. Maybe make a talent out of this? So the different tiers allow you to control swarms, then magical creatures and finally monsters?

I think the intent is for it to really just be an animal. Like singular and probably something that has some capacity for social interaction.

I would agree.

"You have an animal as a trusted companion"

I think the idea is that you have an animal that is your true companion, like a hunter's dog, not that you have a whole bunch of trusted companions. Perhaps a swarm with just strength one. 

Yes that would make more sense but the wording of the Talent says you can take any animal on the list except for riding animals. Thus technically swarms would be eligible, therefore my query.

Are you the GM or a player?

If you are the GM, it's your call.

If you are a player, ask your GM.

it would be interesting to encounter an NPC with this, like a Willard type, or any of a number of genre horror film characters. I'd not want to let a player I GM do this, or be in a group with a player who does this, because um cracra batshite cracra