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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
(Score: 1) by moondoctor on Tuesday February 28 2017, @04:08PM (2 children)
Easy now.
If you don't believe me that's fine. I grew up around these animals and I'm relaying personal experience and knowledge handed down over generations.
Hard winters kill more Elk than mild ones which is a clear indication that yes, they are in fact at deaths door.
In case you're curios about these animals:
http://www.greater-yellowstone.com/animals/elk.html [greater-yellowstone.com]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday March 01 2017, @04:37AM (1 child)
You're trying to move the goalposts. The issue here is whether or not the critters are so lacking energy reserves that "one long run" is the difference between living and dying, which you claimed to be the case.
The difference between resting and running caloric burn says you're full of elk poo.
(Score: 1) by moondoctor on Wednesday March 01 2017, @03:09PM
And I believe your interpretation of caloric requirements both resting and active, and in particular for strenuous exertion in extreme cold for big grazers in the winter are off.
No worries, we'll have to disagree on this one.