In an innovative approach to managing wildlife and protecting livestock, a team of biologists along the California-Oregon border is using drones equipped with loudspeakers to deter gray wolves from attacking cattle. The drones play an assortment of audio clips, including heavy metal tunes like AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” movie scenes, and even live human voices, in an effort to make the wolves think twice before approaching livestock.
What Happened
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has been testing the use of drones to interrupt wolf hunts. Using thermal imaging cameras, the drones fly at night when wolves are most active, playing preloaded clips like “Thunderstruck,” a scene from Marriage Story featuring Scarlett Johansson, and randomized tracks that could include fireworks or gunshots. The idea is to disorient the wolves, interrupting their hunting patterns and keeping them away from livestock.
In one memorable moment, drone operator Paul Wolf (yes, that’s his name) told a curious wolf over the speaker, “Hey wolf – get out of here.” The wolf immediately released its hold on the cattle and fled, demonstrating the surprising effectiveness of this technique.
Who Are the Key Players
-
Dustin Ranglack: Lead researcher from the USDA who has overseen this drone experiment. Ranglack believes that the success of these nonlethal interventions could pave the way for co-existence between wolves and ranchers.
-
Paul Wolf: USDA Southwest District Supervisor and drone pilot, who has seen firsthand how the drones impact wolf behavior.
-
Mary Rickert: A cattle rancher in Northern California who has hosted USDA drone patrols. She has seen a reduction in livestock deaths but is skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of the drones.
Background or Timeline
-
Early 20th Century: Gray wolves were nearly driven to extinction in the U.S.
-
1990s: Wolves were reintroduced to Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.
-
2022: USDA began experimenting with drones to deter wolves from attacking livestock.
-
2024: Drones are deployed in high-conflict areas along the Oregon-California border, with some success in preventing wolf attacks.
Public or Social Media Reaction
Environmental groups have hailed the use of drones as a potentially groundbreaking tool for human-wildlife conflict resolution. “Wolves are frightened of novel things,” said Amaroq Weiss, a wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. “This could be a win for both sides.”
However, ranchers like Mary Rickert have expressed skepticism, cautioning that the technology may not provide a long-term solution. She fears that wolves may eventually become accustomed to the drones, rendering the strategy ineffective.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
The USDA remains committed to refining the drone technology, with further studies planned to assess the long-term effectiveness of this method. If successful, it could lead to a broader implementation of drones in wolf management. But with drones costing around $20,000 each, and limited effectiveness in wooded areas, it remains unclear whether this will become a viable solution for all ranchers.
As of now, ranchers are still allowed to request permits to kill wolves if they pose a direct threat to livestock, but many see this drone technology as a less lethal alternative that may help reduce these conflicts in the future.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Drones Blasting AC/DC and Movie Clips Are Now Used to Shoo Wolves Away from Livestock first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
