USDA Uses ‘Marriage Story’ Audio, Drones to Deter Wolves Nationwide

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is employing an innovative method known as 'wolf hazing' to deter wolves from preying on livestock, using drones equipped with loudspeakers that play disturbing audio clips, including the intense argument scene from Noah Baumbach’s film Marriage Story featuring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. This tactic has proven effective in Oregon’s Klamath Basin, reducing cattle deaths significantly after deployment. The approach is part of a broader effort to manage the growing wolf population that was reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park to restore ecological balance but has since caused conflicts with ranchers due to livestock predation. Besides the Marriage Story audio, other sounds such as gunshots, fireworks, and rock songs like AC/DC's “Thunderstruck” are also used to scare wolves away. Drone operators sometimes directly communicate with wolves to reinforce the deterrent effect. This creative use of cinematic art underscores the USDA’s commitment to non-lethal wildlife management while balancing ecological and agricultural interests.