Dutch police puzzling over how to remove drones that pose a public safety threat are testing a way to get the job done in one fell swoop – with trained eagles.
“It’s a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem,” spokesman Dennis Janus of the country’s national police said.
The idea arose because amateur use of drones has boomed and police have begun to worry about unlicensed drones flying into off-limit spaces around airports or above public events such as politician’s appearances.
Possible solutions the Dutch police have studied include shooting nets at the offending drones, remotely hacking them to seize their controls – or taking them out with birds of prey.
Showing off the technique in a video released by police, a four-propeller drone hovers in the middle of a warehouse, colored lights flashing.
Released by her keeper, a white-tailed eagle glides straight toward the drone, clutches it easily in her talons – clack! – and drags it to the ground.
A decision by police on whether to move ahead with using the eagles is expected by the end of the year.
