The United States Department of Agriculture is using unconventional audio tactics to protect livestock from wolf attacks. These tactics include AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and screaming scenes from movies, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The innovative approach involves deploying drones equipped with thermal cameras and loudspeakers to patrol areas where wolves threaten cattle. These drone “cowhands” can detect wolves in darkness and broadcast various alarming sounds to scare them away.
The Wall Street Journal reported that “Riding to the rescue are drone cowhands, whose quadcopters have thermal cameras that can reveal any wolf lurking in the darkness and bathe it in a spotlight.” The publication noted that “A loudspeaker broadcasts alarming sounds like fireworks, gunshots and people arguing. One recording is of the fight between Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver in the movie ‘Marriage Story.'”
Field trials in Oregon’s Klamath Basin region have demonstrated the effectiveness of this method.
The Wall Street Journal continued that “Drones were deployed in the Klamath Basin of southern Oregon after 11 cows were killed by wolves there in a 20-day period.” The report added that “Over the next 85 days when drones were on patrol, only two were killed.”
This dramatic reduction in cattle deaths represents part of a broader evolution in wildlife management strategies. These strategies have developed since wolves returned to American landscapes.
The wolf-livestock conflict has intensified since the species’ reintroduction programs began in the 1990s. Hindustan Times reported that wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park in 1995 as part of conservation efforts. Their expanding populations have created new challenges for ranchers across western states.
The USDA’s audio deterrent program has been tested in multiple locations beyond Oregon. Cat Country 102.9 noted that the technique has been deployed in California and other western states. Drones swoop down to blast AC/DC songs like “Thunderstruck” and “Back in Black.” These songs reportedly cause wolves to flee the area immediately.
The selection of specific audio content appears strategic. The heated argument scene from the 2019 film “Marriage Story” is used to make wolves associate human presence with potential danger. The aggressive guitar riffs and thunderous drums of AC/DC create an intimidating soundscape that disrupts normal wolf behavior patterns.
However, some ranchers remain cautious about the long-term effectiveness of this approach. Jim Rickert, a cattle ranch owner in California, expressed measured optimism but noted skepticism about outsmarting wolves permanently. Cat Country 102.9 quoted Rickert telling reporters, “Hopefully they’re gonna be successful, but I’m kinda betting on the wolves, truth be known.”
This innovative combination of audio deterrents and drone surveillance offers a promising non-lethal solution for protecting livestock while maintaining wolf conservation efforts. It potentially reduces both economic losses for farmers and conflicts between human activities and protected wildlife populations.
