In Switzerland, researchers are helping shepherds to guard their flock. Apparently, after 100 years or so, wolves are now returning to prey on the sheep. Researchers have developed a system to monitor the heart rate of the sheep. It seems that the heart rate will increase when a wolf attacks a flock of sheep, I'm guessing due to fear. The heart rate sensor systems integrate with a collar and will automatically text shepherds when the sheep are under attack.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say sheep probably don't exercise much, thus the only reason their heart rate will increase is due to wolves. What if it's a bear? Or maybe little rascals climbing over wooden fences and gazing at the stars amidst woollen company? Or a male sheep heart beating rapidly because his crush is grazing near him?
The researchers hope to test the new collar next year. The collars can also spray wolf repellent, though I'm not too sure how successful that will be.
Now, we know what an SMS stands for. Sheep Messaging Service.
More info here.
