Florida scientists are deploying a surprising new weapon in the fight against invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades — robot bunnies.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed solar-powered mechanical rabbits designed to mimic the heat, movement, and scent of real marsh rabbits, one of the pythons’ favorite meals. The innovative project, led by wildlife ecologist Robert McCleery, aims to lure the snakes out of hiding so they can be tracked and removed.
Each robotic decoy is equipped with motors, heaters, motion sensors, and cameras. When a python approaches, the sensors alert researchers, enabling them to observe the predator’s behavior without using live bait. So far, the team has produced 40 of these high-tech bunnies and is testing whether adding authentic rabbit scent will make them even more convincing to the snakes.
Burmese pythons, which are not native to Florida, have devastated populations of native wildlife, including raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and marsh rabbits. Traditional control measures such as traps and python-sniffing dogs have had limited success.
“This gives us a safe, low-maintenance way to attract pythons and better understand their hunting patterns,” McCleery said, noting that the long-term goal is to improve python removal efforts across South Florida.
The study, highlighted by NPR, could mark a turning point in managing one of the most destructive invasive species in the region.
