Drones blast AC/DC to deter wolves from eating cattle

By Ben Barry

Drones blasting AC/DC are being used to help protect cattle from wolves.

A team of biologists working in Klamath Basin, Oregon, have been using drones, blasting AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," movie clips and live human voices to deter wolves from killing cattle.

Gray wolves killed some 800 domesticated animals across 10 states in 2022, according to state and federal agencies.

Before the drones were deployed in August 2022, 11 cattle were killed in 20 days and only two cattle were killed in 85 days afterwards.

Scientists with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service developed the techniques for deterring wolves by drone while monitoring them using thermal imaging cameras at night, when the predators are most active.

When deterring the wolves, a drone pilot starts by playing preloaded clips of music, gunshots, fireworks and voices.

If the electrifying vocals of AC/DC don't work, the operator will start yelling through a microphone.

The conclusion of the study showed that drones are an "effective" tool to prevent attacks on cattle.

U.S. Department of Agriculture drone pilots have continued cattle protection patrols this summer while researching wolf responses at ranches with high conflict levels along the Oregon-California border.

Patrols extended south to the Sierra Valley in August for the first time, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.