Wildlife experts have found a surprising new use for drones – scaring away grizzly bears from human settlements and livestock. In Montana, research shows drones are outperforming traditional hazing methods, with a remarkable 91% success rate in keeping bears away from populated areas, according to research published by The Guardian.
Game-Changing Results with Autel EVO II
Wesley Sarmento, a grizzly bear management Specialist for Montana’s department of fish, wildlife and parks, has been using a bright orange Autel EVO II drone since 2021. This lightweight drone, weighing just 2.5 pounds, can fly for 40 minutes and comes equipped with an HD camera. The results were immediate and impressive.
The effectiveness was so clear that Sarmento now considers it an essential tool:
“The drone’s become a tool where I can’t see doing the job without it now. It’s just that handy.”
Superior to Traditional Methods
The research analyzed 163 bear encounters using various hazing techniques. The drone proved most effective, successfully deterring bears 91% of the time, significantly outperforming traditional methods. Vehicle-based hazing showed an 85% success rate, while projectiles were successful 74% of the time. Dogs proved least effective, with only a 57% success rate. The drone’s superiority stems from its unique ability to overcome physical barriers like creeks or trees that would stop vehicles, and Legal boundaries that would require property owner permission to cross.
Expanding to Wolf Management
Following the success with bears, researchers have begun testing drone effectiveness in wolf management. In Oregon, the results have been equally impressive. A 2022 project demonstrated that drones projecting human voices could reduce wolf predation on cattle by an astounding 95%. Before the drone program, wolves were killing approximately one cow every other night. After implementing drone hazing, only two cows were lost over an 85-night period.
Current Limitations
Despite their effectiveness, drones face several implementation challenges. Current regulations restrict hazing of endangered species to certified researchers with special permits. Weather conditions also pose limitations, as drones can’t operate effectively in severe weather or high winds. Additionally, the technology requires a trained pilot to maintain control at all times, as no automated systems are currently available for civilian use. These limitations, while significant, haven’t diminished enthusiasm for the technology’s potential.
DroneXL’s Take
This innovative use of drones for wildlife management represents another breakthrough in drones for good applications. The success of the Autel EVO II in bear management demonstrates how Drone Technology can provide humane solutions to human-wildlife conflicts while keeping both animals and humans safe. As we continue to see development in autonomous flight capabilities and AI integration, these applications will likely become even more effective and widespread. The potential for reducing human-wildlife conflict while preserving endangered species populations marks a significant step forward in conservation efforts…