In the American states of Wyoming and Oregon, a truly singular solution is being experienced to protect the cattle from attacks by the gray wolves: the combined use of Scarlett Johansson’s voice and the rock notes of AC/DC. The curious stratagem was born from the need to defend herds and flocks without resorting to lethal methods, given that wolves are a protected species.
Strategic drones and “noises”
The breeders started using drones that fly over the pastures by transmitting two types of sounds: energetic songs like Hell’s Bells of the AC/DC and audio clip taken from the film Marriage Storyin which Scarlett Johansson recites a scene of heated quarrel. According to biologists, the wolves seem particularly annoyed by the human discussion tone, perceiving it as a sign of danger.
The effect on predation
The technique apparently may seem bizarre, but it is also effective. In a monitoring period, the attacks on cattle passed from 11 in 20 days to only 2 in 85 days. A drastic drop that brought an important economic benefit to breeders, reducing losses that in some cases arrived in double digit in just one month.
Because it works
Experts explain that gray wolves have a high social intelligence, but are not used to correctly interpreting the recorded human sounds. An intense quarrel or the power of rock can be perceived as signs of a hostile presence, pushing the animal to move quickly. Paul Wolf, supervisor of the Oregon’s agriculture department, said that the goal is to make the wolves understand that the environment is not sure for them.
An example of non -violent coexistence
This strategy shows how it is possible to reconcile the protection of wildlife with the needs of breeding, without resorting to rifles or poisons. At the same time, it becomes a curious story to share: a mix of Hollywood, hard rock and ingenuity that seems to work better than many traditional and much more bloody solutions.
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