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Buzzing Drone Causes 1,500 Elk to Stampede in Wyoming

posted by mrpg on Monday February 27 2017, @09:01AM   
from the drones-are-not-toys dept.

Fnord666 writes:

Add this to the long list of problems caused by buzzing drones: Frightening 1,500 elk into stampeding at a time of year when too much stress can be deadly for the animals.

This winter already is one for the books in western Wyoming. More than twice as much snowfall than usual has fallen in many areas, and more than 3 feet has accumulated at the National Elk Refuge in the scenic valley of Jackson Hole.

Typically the National Elk Refuge provides a winter haven for elk. But on Monday, David A. Smart, 45, of Washington, D.C., got a $280 ticket for allegedly launching a drone from a highway pullout and flying it over hundreds of elk resting there.

The device caused the elk to stampede half a mile through the snow. Smart was trying to film the animals and afterward was apologetic, refuge deputy manager Cris Dippel said Friday.

Nonetheless, wildlife managers take animal harassment seriously. The federal crime of which Smart was accused, disturbing wildlife, is punishable by an up to $5,000 fine.

Source: Popular Mechanics

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Original Submission

• ...and, if you don't like the founding docs of gov ...and, if you don't like the founding docs of gov (Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 28 2017, @03:38AM (1 child)

  by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 28 2017, @03:38AM (#472650)

  If the founding documents of democratic government aren't a strong enough binding for you and you profess one of the Big 3 religions, in the very first book of your scriptures there's a commandment. [google.com]

  No, "dominion" does NOT mean that you get to destroy anything you want to on a whim.
  It also doesn't mean that you *own* anything.
  You're just the caretaker and the owner is gonna be really pissed [bible.org] if you don't take the responsibilities you were given VERY seriously.

  Herein lies the fundamental principle of biblical stewardship--the fundamental principle of all Christianity, in fact: We own nothing. God owns everything; we are simply managers.

  -- OriginalOwner_ [soylentnews.org]

  Parent

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• Re:...and, if you don't like the founding docs of (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 28 2017, @06:22AM

  by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday February 28 2017, @06:22AM (#472682)

  It also doesn't mean that you *own* anything.

  Guess you don't own the body you inhabit, then. I'll be starting an open-pit mine to harvest your bones shortly.

  Parent