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“Thunderstruck” and Scarlett Johansson: The Latest Tools in Wolf Management
Ranchers near the California-Oregon border are trying a new, and rather unusual, method to deter wolves from their livestock: drones equipped with loudspeakers blasting everything from AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to dialogue from the movie “Marriage Story.”
This innovative approach is part of an ongoing experiment by biologists with the USDA. Gray wolves, having rebounded significantly since their reintroduction in the mid-1990s, now number in the thousands across the western US.
This resurgence, while positive for the species, has led to increased conflicts with ranchers. Traditional deterrents like guard dogs and fencing have been supplemented by more creative measures, including drones.
The drones, equipped with thermal imaging cameras for night patrols, play a randomized selection of pre-loaded clips, including music, gunshots, and even human voices. One particularly memorable clip features Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver in a heated exchange from the film “Marriage Story.” If the initial clips fail, drone operators can improvise, sometimes opting for the heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch.
Early results have been promising, with researchers documenting successful interruptions of wolf hunts. The hope is that these non-lethal methods will promote coexistence between wolves and ranchers. However, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of the drones, as wolves may eventually become habituated to the sounds.
The cost of the technology, approximately $20,000 per drone, is also a significant barrier for many ranchers. While some participating ranchers report a decrease in livestock deaths, they acknowledge that it might not be a sustainable solution. Mary Rickert, a rancher north of Mount Shasta, expressed gratitude for the program but voiced concerns about its long-term viability.
Despite the uncertainties, the use of drones offers a new avenue for managing wolf-livestock conflicts. The ability to vary the sounds and locations of the drones offers a degree of flexibility that traditional methods lack. Environmental advocates remain optimistic, pointing to the wolves’ fear of novel stimuli.
Whether the wolves will eventually tire of AC/DC or continue to be startled by Scarlett Johansson remains to be seen. But for now, it seems that ranchers have a new, albeit unusual, ally in their efforts to protect their livestock.