Montanan Wesley Sarmento has been at the forefront of an innovative approach to bear management, turning to drones for a safer and more efficient response. For seven years, Sarmento worked as a grizzly manager in Montana, deploying strategies including bear costumes and shotgun patrols. However, after narrowly escaping a grizzly encounter, he shifted his tactics towards cutting-edge technology.

The introduction of drones has significantly transformed his role. In 2022, Sarmento used a drone equipped with infrared sensors to locate a family of bears rummaging in a silo and drove them away using the aircraft’s sound. The effectiveness of these drones lies not only in their ability to survey difficult terrain but also in their potential for autonomous operations.

Currently studying wildlife ecology, Sarmento envisions future applications where AI might aid in identifying and diverting bears from high-traffic areas, enhancing both human and bear safety. His work exemplifies the integration of technology into traditional ecological roles, shaping the job titles of tomorrow.