Japan has found an unexpected ally against the invasion of bears in rural areas: the Monster Wolf, a robot wolf with red eyes and threatening howls. These animatronic scarecrows, designed to mimic a real predator, are experiencing a surge in demand. Their function is simple but effective: to deter bears approaching towns and crops, reducing damage and risks to the local population.
Deterrence technology with sensors and sound 🐺
The Monster Wolf operates with infrared sensors that detect movement up to a kilometer away. When activated, it moves its head, blinks its red LED eyes, and emits 60 types of sounds, including growls, howls, and recorded human voices. Manufactured by Ohta Seiki, this 50 kg, 65 cm tall device is powered by solar panels. Its design aims to trick bears into believing a real wolf is in the territory, a method that has reduced sightings in several prefectures.
The scarecrow that doesn't scare the neighbors 😅
Although the robot howls as if it had seen a ghost, the neighbors seem calmer than a monk in a temple. Sure, some clueless tourist has mistaken the Monster Wolf for a giant dog and almost offered it a cookie. Luckily, the critter only growls at bears, not at humans who forget to close the gate. Local wildlife already knows that wolf doesn't bite, but the fright is still free.