Gray wolves near the border of California and Oregon are part of a new project started in 2022 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The project uses drones with speakers to make loud noises such as rock music, fireworks, gunshots, and movie sounds. These noises are used to keep wolves away from cattle. Wolves have increased in number since they were brought back to Yellowstone National Park and Idaho in the 1990s. Reports from 2022 said that wolves killed about 800 farm animals in 10 states. Because of this problem, scientists are trying new ways to protect livestock without killing wolves.

The drones have special cameras to see at night and play different sounds to stop wolves from hunting. Studies showed that the wolves often ran away when the drones played music or human voices. Some experts are worried that wolves may learn to ignore the noises later. The drones also cost about $20,000 and need trained people to use them. Even with these problems, the project may give farmers a safer and kinder way to protect animals. More research is needed before the method can be used everywhere.