In a novel approach to wildlife management along the California–Oregon border, a team of biologists is turning to drones armed with loudspeakers to keep gray wolves at bay. The strategy? Drown out wolf hunts with a mix of heavy metal, Hollywood soundbites, and even live human voices—an experiment that’s proving surprisingly effective at protecting livestock.
What’s Happening
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is testing drones equipped with thermal cameras that fly at night, when wolves are most active. Instead of relying on lethal methods, these drones play randomized soundtracks ranging from AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to scenes from films like Marriage Story, as well as fireworks, gunshots, and human voices.
The goal is to startle and disorient the predators, interrupting hunts and forcing them to retreat before livestock is harmed.
In one striking incident, drone operator Paul Wolf (coincidentally sharing a last name with his target) used the loudspeaker to yell directly at a wolf: “Hey wolf—get out of here.” The animal immediately released its grip on a cow and fled, showcasing the potential of this unorthodox tool.
Who’s Involved
Dustin Ranglack – USDA lead researcher overseeing the experiment. He hopes nonlethal interventions like these can build coexistence between wolves and ranchers.
Paul Wolf – USDA Southwest District Supervisor and drone pilot, who has witnessed firsthand how wolves react to the sound barrages.
Mary Rickert – Northern California rancher who allowed drone patrols over her cattle. She’s seen a drop in attacks but questions how long wolves will be fooled.
How We Got Here
Early 1900s: Gray wolves nearly exterminated in the U.S.
1990s: Reintroduction in Idaho and Yellowstone revives populations.
2022: USDA begins testing drones as a deterrent tool.
2024: Drones deployed in conflict zones along the Oregon–California border with measurable reductions in livestock losses.
Reaction and Debate
Wildlife advocates call the experiment a breakthrough in nonlethal conflict resolution. “Wolves are frightened of novel things,” explains Amaroq Weiss of the Center for Biological Diversity. “This could be a win for both sides.”
Ranchers, however, are divided. While some welcome fewer livestock deaths, others, like Rickert, worry that wolves will eventually adapt to the noise, limiting long-term effectiveness.
What’s Next
The USDA plans to refine the technology and expand trials to test durability and cost-effectiveness. Each drone costs about $20,000 and works best in open terrain, raising questions about scalability for ranchers nationwide.
For now, ranchers still have the option to request permits to lethally remove wolves that threaten livestock. But many see drones as a promising alternative—a chance to reduce bloodshed while still safeguarding livelihoods.
As the experiments continue, the skies over the Oregon–California border echo with the unlikely sounds of rock anthems and movie dialogue—a modern twist in the century-old struggle to balance wildlife conservation and ranching survival.