Scare Device for Wolves

November 9, 2007 - In the fall edition of the Wildlife Services Stakeholder's Newsletter, it was reported that new research on devices to scare wolves is showing promise.

National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientists are examining the use of electrified fladry to keep wolves away from livestock. Fladry is a line of flags hung along the perimeter of a pasture, and it has a long history of use in Europe for deterring wolves.

Some studies have shown normal fladry effectively keeps wolves from pastures for up to 60 days. If the fladry were electrified, wolves could potentially receive a very negative first impression and, therefore, be less likely to cross the barrier.

In an initial study, NWRC scientists tested electrified fladry on 36 wolves in 10 groups. Eight of the groups crossed the normal fladry barrier, but only two crossed the electrified fladry.

Additional field studies are planned in Montana later this year and will be conducted with the help of the Montana Wildlife Services state office and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

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