Billings Man Using Drones and Thermal Cameras to Find Lost Pets

Pioneering technology expands search and rescue capabilities beyond just pets

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Billings, Montana resident Curtis McBride is using drone technology equipped with thermal cameras to locate missing animals. This innovative approach is proving effective, with the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter seeing over 190 stray animals since January 10th. McBride's work highlights the growing potential of drone technology in search and rescue operations, with applications extending beyond pets to include missing persons cases, disaster response, wildfire detection, and border security.

Why it matters

The use of drones and thermal cameras in search and rescue operations represents a significant technological advancement, overcoming limitations of traditional ground-based searches. This technology can rapidly scan large areas, detect heat signatures, and locate individuals hidden from view, potentially saving lives and reducing search times. As the cost of this equipment becomes more accessible, it could have a transformative impact on how communities respond to emergencies and locate missing persons.

The details

McBride's operation, E6 Drone, utilizes a 56x hybrid optical zoom thermal camera to detect heat signatures and confirm findings. This technology is becoming increasingly affordable, driving its adoption in various search and rescue applications. Traditionally, finding lost animals and people relied on ground searches, often hampered by terrain, darkness, or dense vegetation. Drones overcome these limitations, providing an aerial perspective and the ability to cover vast areas quickly. Thermal imaging is particularly effective in low-light conditions and can detect individuals hidden from view.

  • Since January 10th, the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter has received over 190 stray animals.
  • McBride initially focused on using drones to locate missing pets.

The players

Curtis McBride

A Billings, Montana resident who is pioneering the use of drone technology equipped with thermal cameras to locate missing animals.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

A local animal shelter that has seen a significant increase in the number of stray animals since the beginning of the year, highlighting the need for effective pet recovery methods.

Izzy Zalenski

A spokesperson for the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, who noted that the drone technology is particularly valuable in 'rural and rugged areas where traditional searches fall short.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.