There was an interesting little Associated Press story over the weekend about researchers at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts using a robot squirrel named appropriately "Rocky" to help "decode squirrels' communication techniques, social cues and survival instincts."
The researchers use a computer and a set of binoculars to control the home-made robotic squirrel as it infiltrates the local gray squirrel population. The squirrel is equipped with appropriate squirrel sound recordings to "speak" to the other squirrels in attempts to get their attention.
The researchers are trying to figure out whether squirrels "react more strongly to Rocky's noises or movements or a combination."
The story also mentions the use of fake lizards and sage grouse by researchers to gain more insights into animal behaviors.
What I would really like is a robo-hawk or owl to help keep the hyper-active squirrels around my house who think it is their house away.
