Using robotic decoys to flush out wildlife poachers
Description
Law enforcement is in a race to outwit wildlife poachers. A new technique in the battle uses robotic decoys. These aren’t your father’s decoys — they’re taxidermy specimens come to life.
The taxidermist who developed the process uses remote-control car parts to animate animal skin-covered structures. He’s created deer, moose and other robots that move, emit heat and even produce droppings. The decoys have been used by game wardens across the country in sting operations.
Once officers have a bead on a suspected poacher, they stake out their vehicle, animate the robot and watch the poacher take a shot.
But eventually poachers get wise. To stay ahead in the so-called wildlife enforcement arms race, the next step will be placing a CO2 cartridge in the decoy’s muzzle to mimic steam on a cold day.
United States
