A recent editorial published in Frontiers by Wesley M. Sarmento highlights the potential of drones as an innovative tool for managing human-bear conflicts. Sarmento, a bear manager based on the Great Plains since 2017, shared insights from his work addressing the challenges posed by the increasing presence of grizzly bears in areas of human activity. The resurgence of grizzly populations, a conservation milestone, has simultaneously led to heightened conflicts with humans, particularly in regions where agricultural and residential areas overlap with the bears’ habitat.
Grizzly bears, which have been federally protected in the contiguous United States since the 1970s, are reclaiming parts of their historic range, including the Great Plains. While celebrated as a conservation success, this return has raised concerns among local residents, particularly regarding property damage, livestock predation, and personal safety. To address these concerns, Sarmento initiated a hazing program to deter bears from areas of human activity, testing various methods to determine their effectiveness.
Initially, Sarmento employed traditional hazing tools, such as cracker shells and rubber rounds, to drive bears away. However, limitations in terrain and the potential risks of close encounters prompted him to explore alternatives. He incorporated trained Airedale dogs into his efforts, chosen in part for their popularity among local residents. Despite their promise, the dogs proved less effective, often failing to detect bears or chasing unintended targets such as feral cats.
Seeking a more reliable solution, Sarmento turned to drone technology. Equipped with a thermal camera for nighttime use and capable of precise maneuverability, drones allowed him to safely and effectively haze bears from a distance. Unlike other methods, drones were not hindered by physical obstacles like fences or terrain, significantly enhancing the range and efficiency of hazing efforts.
Over time, the use of drones appeared to contribute to long-term behavioral changes in grizzly bears. Older bears required less frequent hazing, suggesting that aversive conditioning was taking effect. This outcome reduced the likelihood of conflicts, benefiting both bears and the local community. Sarmento’s findings underscore the potential of drones as a tool for wildlife management, particularly in regions where human and animal habitats intersect.