Researchers Using Drones to Study Killer Whales

People have found all kinds of wonderful uses for drones, not limited to delivering goods, shooting movie scenes, capturing great aerial photography shots, and picking fights with birds of prey. Now, researchers are even using them to study ocean animals in some unprecedented ways. Using a hexacopter drone, a team consisting of members of the Vancouver Aquarium and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been able to capture some great footage of killer whales in their natural habitat. And to top it off, they’ve been able to do it without bothering the whales in the least bit.

Studying the animals via use of drones has allowed the researchers to have access to information they wouldn’t otherwise have, such as pregnancies and births, overall health information, and much more. Of course the drones have also been able to record the whales at play – a sight which I’ve heard is pretty close to amazing to witness. Using a drone instead of a helicopter has allowed the team to get closer to the whales than ever possible before. Have a look for yourself at some of their footage in the video clip below:

One can only imagine all of the uses we’ll find for drones in the years to come. What do you think we’ll use drones for in the future? Let us know in the comments section below!

[Image via Gizmag]

SOURCE: CNET