Scientists Deploy Drones Blasting AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ To Scare Off Wolves Attacking Cattle

In a bizarre but effective new development in wildlife management, scientists are using drones to blast loud noises—including classic rock music—to deter gray wolves from attacking livestock. A pilot program in Oregon’s Klamath Basin, conducted by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, has shown that this non-lethal method can dramatically reduce cattle deaths and is now being expanded to other high-conflict areas along the Oregon-California border.

The initiative was launched in response to a growing problem for ranchers. In 2022 alone, gray wolves were responsible for the deaths of approximately 800 domesticated animals across ten U.S. states. Traditional methods of deterrence, while effective in some cases, often have limitations. Seeking a new solution, a team of biologists and researchers developed an airborne patrol system.

The drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras, allowing them to effectively monitor wolf activity at night when the predators are most active. Once a pack is identified near livestock, the drone pilot deploys a series of auditory deterrents from a pre-loaded library. This includes a mix of startling sounds like gunshots and fireworks, as well as human voices. Most notably, the drone’s speakers have been used to blast music from legendary AC/DC, with the song “Thunderstruck” proving to be a particularly effective deterrent.

The results of the initial trial are compelling. In the 20 days prior to the drone patrols beginning in August 2022, 11 cattle were killed in the region. In the 85 days that followed the deployment of the drones, that number plummeted to just two. This dramatic reduction has led scientists to conclude that the drone-based system is an “effective” tool for preventing attacks.

Interestingly, the pilots have a final, more direct option if the pre-recorded sounds fail to scare off the predators: they can activate a microphone and start yelling through the drone’s speaker. This improvisation has also proven to be successful, leveraging the instinctive fear wolves have of human presence.

This innovative approach is part of a broader strategy by the USDA to find non-lethal ways to manage conflicts between wildlife and agriculture. While some studies on other species have found that animals can become accustomed to repetitive sounds, the program’s use of varied and unpredictable audio clips, combined with the visual novelty of the drone itself, seems to be a key to its success so far. With patrols now extending to other areas, this unique blend of technology and classic rock could become a vital part of protecting both livestock and wolf populations in the future.