Drones Use Rock Music and Movie Soundbites to Ward Off Wolves from Cattle

For thousands of years, people have sought ways to deter wolves from attacking their livestock. However, drones have introduced a modern twist to this age-old problem.

A group of scientists at the frontier of California and Oregon have adopted drones to play AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," various film dialogues, and live vocal messages to keep these predators at bay from cattle.

One dramatic instance includes Scarlett Johansson's assertive line from the 2019 movie 'Marriage Story'. Her character's intense dialogue plays among the tactics to scare wolves.

Decades ago, wolves were almost wiped out across the western United States but have rebounded significantly since their reintroduction in the 1990s in states like Idaho. With recovery comes an uptick in skirmishes with ranchers.

The escalating wolf numbers in states like Washington, Oregon, and California have prompted innovative protective measures such as drone use.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s researchers devised drone strategies using thermal cameras to monitor predatory activities at night, when wolf activity peaks. They found introducing human sounds via drones has a startling effect on the pack.

Dustin Ranglack, leading the USDA project, expressed optimism in reducing harmful encounters, hoping for a future where wolves and humans coexist peacefully.

The drone arsenal includes random selections of loud gunfire, festive explosions, and voices, alongside music like 'Thunderstruck.' When these options fail, operators have the flexibility to directly address wolves using microphones.

The Challenge of Wolves Adapting

Currently, drone patrols continue along the Oregon-California corridor, testing the wolves' response to this new method. This year marked the first expansion into the Sierra Valley.

Experts express some caution, noting that wolves might adapt to frequent drone presence just as they have historically with other deterrents like flapping fabric.

However, some conservationists are hopeful that the drones' versatility could provide a constant source of novel deterrents to keep the wolves wary.

Despite its promise, the technology's current complexity and cost—averaging $20,000 per drone system—pose significant barriers for individual ranch operations, and they are less effective in forested areas.

Yet, several Northern California ranchers report a decrease in wolf attacks with drone intervention, though uncertainty about long-term efficacy remains.

Mary Rickert, a veteran rancher, appreciates the current reduction in livestock casualties but warns that wolves may eventually disregard drones if they pose no actual threat.

If wolves grow indifferent, ranchers might resume older, harsher methods to protect their assets, leading to further conflicts.

For now, agencies continue to explore enhanced predator deterrence. By further reducing expenses, the dream is for ranchers simply to request wolves to leave—perhaps someday automated solutions could make this happen.

Paul Wolf, a USDA supervisor and heavy metal fan, recalled how merely addressing a curious wolf through a drone prompted it to release its grip on livestock and dash away.

Meanwhile, California has formed a special team to preemptively manage wolf aggression towards farm animals, employing tracking technology and non-lethal interventions.

State authorities have allocated over $3 million in efforts to compensate ranchers and deter future attacks, according to local reports.