USDA Uses 'Marriage Story' Audio to Deter Wolves from Livestock

Why does this matter? This innovative approach highlights the challenges of wildlife management and the need for non-lethal methods to protect both livestock and endangered species. It also demonstrates how unexpected resources, like movie audio, can be repurposed for practical applications.

The USDA's efforts to protect livestock from wolves have taken an innovative turn with the use of drone-based "wolf hazing." This involves deploying drones equipped with thermal cameras to locate wolves and then blasting them with a combination of startling stimuli: bright spotlights, gunshots, fireworks, AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," and, most notably, the emotionally charged argument scene from Noah Baumbach's *Marriage Story*.

The Prather Ranch in Oregon, which had lost approximately 40 calves to wolves, prompted the USDA to implement these measures. Because many of the wolves are endangered, traditional methods of deterring them are prohibited. The *Wall Street Journal* reported that in an 85-day period following the drone deployment, only two cattle were killed, compared to 11 in the preceding 20 days.

The choice of *Marriage Story* audio is particularly striking. Paul Wolf of the USDA explained that the aim is to create a negative association between humans and wolves. The chaotic and unpleasant sounds are intended to make the wolves wary of human presence.

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The USDA aims to create a negative association between humans and wolves by broadcasting unsettling sounds.

Early results suggest that drone-based wolf hazing can significantly reduce livestock losses to wolves.

Drones can be expensive to operate and maintain, and wolves may eventually adapt to the deterrents.

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