The 'Bambi-Copter' Can Spot Fawns In Farmers' Fields

A hunter in Norway is using his quadcopter to help find fawns in farmers' fields to save them from being killed by mowing equipment.

The German newspaper Bild reports that Rupprecht Walch has been flying over fields ready for harvesting in an effort to protect deer up to four weeks of age from agricultural combines harvesting crops. The DJI Inspire 1 is equipped with a thermal imaging camera, which helps Walch locate deer that are hunkered down in the field.

The deer don't develop the proper instincts to avoid the machinery until they are about four weeks old, and will simply cower in the tall grass when the machinery approaches.

Walch says he flies over meadows early in morning when the deer are easiest to find on thermal cameras. If one is located, they go out in the field and carry it out before the harvesting begins.

Walch said he's happy to provide the service, but would like farmers to help offset the cost. The drone with a thermal camera cost the equivalent of about $14,000. Farmers are obliged by law not to injure an animal while mowing.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Story