Spy in the sky: Application of thermal drones to assist with ground darting wildlife

Telemetry studies allow scientists to track animal movements and study species ecology without direct visual observation. Fitting telemetry devices requires physical or chemical capture and restraint of animals. Ground darting is a commonly used technique to capture cervids but locating animals to dart and finding individuals post induction remains a challenge. Here we present an application of using thermal imaging drones to help locate, ground dart, and monitor target animals to ensure safe immobilization. We immobilized 10 free‐ranging Sitka black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis), 8 of which were captured with the assistance of the thermal drone. The utilization of drones in wildlife ground darting operations can increase safety and efficiency, and reduce risk to researchers and study subjects. We discuss the application of thermal imaging drones to assist with wildlife ground darting operations. We successfully ground darted 10 Sitka black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis), 8 of which were located and guided to using a drone. We discuss the many benefits of this approach for increasing safety and success of wildlife immobilizations.