In a surprising twist of technology and nature, the U.S. military is turning to robotic coyotes—yes, you read that right—to guard its high-value airfields. Dubbed Coyote Rovers, these unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are the latest innovation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to combat the long-standing threat of wildlife interference with aircraft operations.
🛡️ Why Wildlife Is a Threat to Military Airfields
Birds and other wildlife have always posed a serious hazard to military aviation. From engine failures to equipment damage, these encounters—known as Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazards (BASH)—can cost millions and even endanger lives.
To counter this, the ERDC has developed Coyote Rovers—four-wheeled robotic platforms mounted with life-size plastic coyote models—designed to scare away birds and keep airfields safe. These high-tech guardians were recently seen deployed near the U.S. Navy's elite Blue Angels demonstration team at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
🤖 More Than Just Scarecrows
According to Shea Hammond, a biologist at ERDC, the rovers are far more advanced than stationary deterrents:
“They basically have the same functionality as any other drone… They operate on programmed timers, avoid restricted zones, and can run for multiple days using docking and recharging stations.”
The team is now exploring AI and machine learning capabilities, allowing future versions to:
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Identify specific bird species
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Use species-targeted deterrence methods
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Navigate diverse terrains and weather conditions
🛠️ Civil Uses Beyond the Military
While these robotic rovers are being tested at military airfields, their potential extends to civilian infrastructure. Wildlife nesting and defecation cause costly damage to dams, bridges, and locks—something the Army Corps of Engineers regularly combats.
Instead of employing live animals, which are expensive and unpredictable, robotic deterrents like the Coyote Rovers offer a consistent and scalable solution.
“We've even used live dogs in the past,” Hammond said, “but robots can do the job more predictably.”
🦅 Not the First Wildlife Control Strategy
Military branches have long employed creative strategies to manage wildlife:
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The Navy in Washington hired falconers to drive seagulls away from submarines.
The Air Force uses bird radars and risk-level alerts.
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Programs have even included tracking prairie dogs and fitting real coyotes with GPS collars.
However, Coyote Rovers could soon take center stage as a cost-effective and intelligent deterrent system that benefits both military and civilian operations.
📌 Key Takeaway
What sounds like the plot of a sci-fi movie—robots vs. birds—is fast becoming a practical reality. The Coyote Rovers offer a glimpse into how robotics, AI, and wildlife management are merging to protect sensitive infrastructure and expensive assets. As testing continues, these rovers could become standard across both military installations and public infrastructure zones worldwide.