UPDATE: Biologists near the California-Oregon border are deploying drones equipped with loudspeakers to combat wolf threats to livestock, blasting music and movie clips, including AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” as part of an innovative experiment. This urgent initiative aims to protect cattle from gray wolves, whose population has surged since being reintroduced in the mid-1990s.
Drones are now taking center stage in livestock protection strategies, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service leading this groundbreaking approach. The team utilizes thermal imaging to monitor wolf activity at night, when these apex predators are most active. By employing sound clips, including scenes from movies and popular music, they aim to startle wolves and prevent livestock attacks.
800 domesticated animals were reported killed by wolves across ten states in 2022, highlighting the escalating conflict between ranchers and wolves. As the wolf population expands, tensions have risen, prompting ranchers to explore various nonlethal deterrent methods. Alongside electrified fencing and guard dogs, the use of drones is emerging as a promising solution.
One of the most striking methods involves playing pre-loaded audio clips, including dramatic excerpts from films like Marriage Story. In one clip, actress Scarlett Johansson exclaims, “I am not putting up with this anymore!” while co-star Adam Driver responds, creating an engaging distraction designed to scare wolves away from cattle.
Lead researcher Dustin Ranglack expressed excitement upon witnessing the drones’ effectiveness. “If we could reduce those negative impacts of wolves, that is going to be more likely to lead to a situation where we have coexistence,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for harmony between ranchers and wildlife.
In August 2023, drone patrols extended to the Sierra Valley, with ranchers reporting a noticeable decline in livestock deaths. However, concerns linger regarding the long-term effectiveness of this method. Ranchers like Mary Rickert, a cattle owner north of Mount Shasta, appreciate the immediate benefits but fear that wolves may eventually acclimate to the drone sounds.
Environmental advocates are cautiously optimistic. “Wolves are frightened of novel things,” noted Amaroq Weiss from the Center for Biological Diversity. This sentiment resonates as ranchers and scientists hope that varied audio stimuli will provide a long-term solution.
Despite the promise of drone technology, challenges remain. A drone system with night vision and audio capabilities can cost around $20,000, necessitating professional training and limiting accessibility for many ranchers. As these innovative strategies unfold, the future of livestock protection hangs in the balance.
As the situation develops, ranchers are left to navigate the complexities of wolf interactions. They are compensated for verified livestock losses but often face additional stressors, including reduced birth rates and tougher meat from stressed cattle. Rickert has voiced a desire for the right to shoot wolves in defense of her animals, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
Paul Wolf, a USDA supervisor and drone pilot, recounted a compelling encounter where a wolf initially showed curiosity toward a drone until he intervened with a command, causing the predator to flee. “The wolf immediately lets go of the cattle and runs away,” he recalled, showcasing the potential of direct human interaction through drone technology.
As ranchers and biologists work together, the hope remains that these drones can foster coexistence, allowing both livestock and wolves to thrive in their shared habitats. The innovative use of technology in wildlife management is a developing story that continues to captivate and engage ranchers, scientists, and the public alike.
