How do you save sage grouse inside Grand Teton National Park? With robot birds… of course. 

A group of sage grouse have started using the runway at the Jackson Hole Airport for their mating dance. Not an ideal place for birds or humans. 

On today’s episode, THE WILD producer Matt Martin sits down in front of the mic to tell me the story of how park rangers plan to relocate this unique bird species away from danger. It’s a fascinating story that involves jet airplanes, a couple teenage engineering geniuses, and some very convincing robot decoys.

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THE WILD is a production of KUOW in Seattle in partnership with Chris Morgan Wildlife and Wildlife Media. It is produced by Matt Martin and Lucy Soucek, and edited by Jim Gates. It is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by Apryle Craig. Our theme music is by Michael Parker.

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