Wind turbines are a great source of renewable energy in blustery climates, but like every solution, there are potential risks to be weighed as well. Turbines take a toll on local birds, bats, and insects, and although the effects of turbines on large birds like condors and eagles are well known, we have less information on how they affect smaller animals. This is mostly because they are harder to spot. Fortunately, researchers have found a new way to sniff out the real impact of turbines: dogs.
Researchers have found that dogs deployed in turbine fields are able to locate 96 percent of dead bats, compared to the human detection rate of just six percent. This is why organizations like Rogue Detection Teams are in such high demand. The organization describes itself as a conservation-detection-dog company. They take in strays and surrendered pets to be retrained as animal-detection devices. Dogs with high energy levels and an insatiable appetite for play generally make the best detection dogs.