In an innovative effort to safeguard the greater sage-grouse population, conservationists in Wyoming have deployed lifelike decoys made from papier-mâché near Jackson Hole Airport. This initiative aims to redirect these vulnerable birds away from the airport’s hazardous infrastructure, thereby balancing the needs of wildlife conservation and aviation safety.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/robot-bird-teton2-41426-fdcf89d6b26c422798c7555ad856cfb7.jpg)
The project, which has recently garnered attention, sees the handcrafted decoys strategically positioned to mimic the sage-grouse during their critical mating season. Grand Teton National Park, which oversees this initiative, launched the operation in 2025, highlighting the importance of reducing bird strikes—particularly concerning given the history of incidents at the airport. Between 1990 and 2013, over 30 sage-grouse fatalities linked to aircraft were recorded, especially during the summer months when the birds are most active.
Central to this conservation effort is the restoration of a 100-acre field located just south of the runway, where the decoys have been installed. The park, in collaboration with local partners, has utilised these decoys as a proactive measure to encourage the sage-grouse to establish their mating displays away from the dangers of air traffic. An Instagram post from the park outlined the dual benefits of this approach: enhancing safety for both wildlife and aviation.
The creation of the decoys involved an innovative partnership between Grand Teton National Park, the Teton Raptor Center, local art students, and artist Lori Solem. By engaging the community in crafting these visual aids, the project fostered local involvement in wildlife preservation. The decoys placed in the restored area have been united in their objective of drawing real sage-grouse away from the hazardous airport vicinity.
As the project evolved, it turned to technology by collaborating with RoboBroncs—the robotics team from Jackson Hole High School. This partnership led to the development of automated decoys that mimic the characteristic dance of the greater sage-grouse during mating rituals, in addition to stationary models. These movements are vital for the success of their mating displays, making the decoys more realistic and potentially more effective in luring the birds.
The greater sage-grouse is notably distinguished by its elaborate courtship behaviour, where males inflate their chests and flare their tail feathers to attract females. This unique display is critical for reproduction and relies on specific open landscapes, which have become increasingly threatened due to various forms of habitat loss across the region.
Wildlife officials assert that even a minor shift in the location of sage-grouse mating activities could considerably diminish the risk of bird strikes at the airport, offering a solution that addresses both aviation hazards and the preservation of a species under pressure. As such, this multifaceted approach not only demonstrates creativity but also reflects a commitment to the protection of Wyoming’s native wildlife.
Efforts like these underscore the necessity of finding innovative strategies to harmonise human activities, such as aviation, with the ecological needs of local wildlife. As the project gains momentum, it serves as a promising model for similar conservation initiatives in regions where wildlife and human infrastructure coexist. With community engagement at its core, this project showcases the potential for collaborative efforts in addressing complex environmental challenges while promoting public safety.