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Nonlethal camera‑AI system proposed for wolf deterrence; pilot data cited from Germany and Colorado
Summary
Wildlife Protection Solutions presented a camera + AI monitoring approach that can trigger remote deterrents and send secure alerts to ranchers; company says technology is modular and available free to practitioners via its nonprofit mission, but cautioned about placement, power and data governance.
Eric Schmidt, executive director of Wildlife Protection Solutions, told the Wolf Advisory Group that his nonprofit adapts camera networks and artificial‑intelligence back ends to detect target species and remotely trigger deterrent devices while sending secure alerts to stakeholders. "We specifically have a specialization in deploying remote cameras and connectivity to enable real time awareness," Schmidt said.
Schmidt outlined a system that pairs real‑time cameras, edge or cloud AI called WPS Watch, and remotely activated deterrents such as sirens, flashing lights, randomized loud sounds, scent dispensers and, in new trials, autonomous drones for hazing. He said the platform integrates with dashboards and mobile messaging systems such as SMS and WhatsApp to reach frontline responders quickly.
WPS cited field tests in Lower Saxony, Germany, and deployments in Colorado where a producer reported reduced predation when the system was coupled with range riders. Schmidt emphasized that the system is not a standalone fix: "Success really does begin with informed device placement," he said, noting that solar power, ongoing data plans and routine maintenance are critical to long‑term functioning.
On species identification, Schmidt said the current wolf model (trained on European datasets) cannot yet reliably distinguish coyotes from wolves in U.S. conditions but added that newer models such as Google's SpeciesNet are expected to improve accuracy in the coming months. "So right now, the answer is no," he said of reliable coyote/wolf discrimination.
WAG members questioned connectivity in remote terrain, integration with existing collar‑based tracking, cost and governance of data. Schmidt said WPS can deploy private mesh or long‑range radio links where cellular service is lacking, sells hardware at near‑cost as a nonprofit, charges participants for cellular data plans, and offers training and consultation free of charge. He described a security model that allows granular sharing so producers can opt in to whatever level of data exchange they prefer.
The presentation spurred discussion about pilot partners, data sharing with wildlife agencies, and how to avoid habituation by varying deterrents. Schmidt said WPS is open to integrating other vendors' cameras or models and seeks stakeholder‑driven pilots to test what works in local conditions.
The company encouraged WAG members to consider trials and said the technology is intended to aid human responses rather than replace them: alerts can be automated or routed to a human operator for confirmation before deterrents activate. "You can also have a human in the loop on this whole thing," Schmidt said.
