Hollywood vs. Wolves: 'Marriage Story' Fight Scares Predators!
Colaboradores
In a bizarre twist, Hollywood drama is being used to protect livestock! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is employing audio from the intense fight scene in Noah Baumbach's 'Marriage Story,' starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, to deter wolves from attacking cattle.
'Wolf Hazing': A Dramatic Solution
The strategy, known as “wolf hazing,” involves drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect wolves lurking in the darkness. Once a wolf is spotted, it's targeted with a spotlight and blasted with a variety of unsettling sounds, including gunshots, fireworks, AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck,' and, most notably, the heated argument between Johansson and Driver's characters in 'Marriage Story'.
“I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad,” explained Paul Wolf, a USDA district supervisor in Oregon, according to the Wall Street Journal. This unusual approach is preferred over culling, as gray wolves are often on the endangered species list.
How Effective Is It?
The results appear promising. In the Klamath Basin of southern Oregon, where 11 cows were killed by wolves in a 20-day period, the deployment of drones resulted in only two cattle deaths over the subsequent 85 days of drone patrol. The Prather Ranch, suffering significant losses to wolves, now proactively uses drones equipped with speakers and bright lights. Approaching wolves are met with a stark spotlight, plus recordings of alarming noises.
Beyond 'Marriage Story'
While the 'Marriage Story' audio is a standout element, the drones also utilize other deterrents. The drones also play sounds of gunshots and heavy metal music, as well as bright lights. The goal is to create an unpleasant and discouraging environment for the wolves, teaching them to avoid human-inhabited areas.
It seems Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's Oscar-nominated performances have found a new, unexpected audience – and are helping to keep livestock safe!