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Drones Prove Effective in Reducing Human-Bear Conflicts

A Montana wildlife manager's six-year study finds drones outperform traditional methods in deterring grizzly bears from populated areas.

  • Brown bear populations in the U.S. have rebounded due to conservation efforts, increasing human-bear interactions in areas like Montana's Great Plains.
  • Wildlife manager Wesley Sarmento tested various hazing methods, including dogs, vehicles, and drones, to deter bears from homes, towns, and livestock.
  • Drones had a 91% success rate in hazing bears, outperforming vehicles (85%) and projectiles (74%), while also providing safety and precision.
  • The study found evidence of long-term aversive conditioning, as bears required fewer hazing events over time to avoid human-populated areas.
  • Drones' effectiveness is attributed to their ability to operate in diverse conditions, though their performance can be hindered by high winds or rain.
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