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Eagles on Guard
The French Air Force has begun training golden eagles to take down small drones after a number of the unpiloted aircraft were spotted above national monuments and nuclear power plants. Drones pose a security risk because they could be used to scout out targets for a terrorist attack, or they could carry explosives or chemical weapons.
Taking out drones is a perfect job for golden eagles. The birds have incredibly powerful claws, which can easily grab and hold on to a drone in mid-flight. Trainers taught the eagles to attack drones by putting food on top of the craft, causing the birds to view the drones as a type of prey—much like the small birds and other animals the eagles normally hunt.
Police in the Netherlands also have a unit of anti-drone eagles. Other countries, including the U.S., are considering adopting similar programs.
IN TRAINING: A French military falconer trains a golden eagle.