AI Technology Illuminates Bear Protection, New Career Paths

Artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology are gaining attention as the latest technological trends in wildlife bear protection, leading to the emergence of new professions such as 'wildlife first responders' in Montana, USA. As bear populations have recovered in Montana, the state government hired its first wildlife manager in 2017, who was tasked with helping bears and people avoid dangerous situations. This increased demand for wildlife management presents a future job category of 'wildlife first responders,' and experiments utilizing drones are being conducted for this purpose.

While AI technology is advancing its capabilities in performing complex tasks, it will take more time for AI to reach the level of human experts in specialized fields like wildlife management. The performance of top-tier AI agents remained at about half the level of PhD-level experts.

Although AI technology is developing rapidly, challenges arise in its practical application and in managing its societal impact. There is also a perception gap regarding AI technology between experts and the general public. In the U.S., 73% of experts viewed AI's impact on jobs positively, compared to only 23% of the general public. This discrepancy occurs because groups directly utilizing AI are more aware of its advantages, while other users primarily encounter its complex outcomes, leading to a gap between reality and perception.