Scientists in Florida are using life-like robotic rabbits to track and control invasive Burmese pythons threatening the Everglades ecosystem.
Florida scientists are turning to an unusual tactic in the battle against invasive Burmese pythons: life-like, remotely controlled robotic rabbits.
The “robo-bunnies,” developed by Dr. Robert McCleery and his team at the University of Florida, are designed to mimic the warmth and movement of real rabbits, a preferred prey of the giant snakes. Solar-powered heaters and motors give the robots realistic heat signatures, while motion-detection cameras alert park officials when a python approaches, allowing early intervention before the predator can strike.
Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, have become a major threat to South Florida’s Everglades ecosystem. Some of these snakes can grow up to 20 feet long and have no natural predators in the region. Their introduction traces back to exotic pet ownership, but in 1992 Hurricane Andrew destroyed a python breeding facility, releasing numerous snakes into the wild. The species has since proliferated, preying on native wildlife including rabbits, raccoons, and the endangered Florida panther. A 2015 study found that pythons were responsible for 77 percent of rabbit deaths in Everglades National Park.
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Robot bunnies are now being tested across South Florida, and if effective, could help reduce python populations and give native species a chance to recover. “Working in the Everglades for ten years, you get tired of documenting the problem. You want to address it,” said Dr. McCleery.
The robotic approach complements other innovative strategies, such as the Florida Python Challenge. Since 2013, this annual 10-day event has encouraged hunters to capture pythons, with cash prizes for the most snakes caught. The 2025 contest drew 935 participants from 30 U.S. states and Canada, removing a record 294 pythons. Notably, Taylor Stanberry, 29, became the first woman to win the competition, capturing 60 snakes.
Burmese pythons remain one of the most significant threats to the Everglades, where their presence disrupts the delicate balance of native ecosystems. Conservationists hope that combining technology, public engagement, and active hunting will help curb the snakes’ impact.
Following the continued innovation and vigilance, scientists aim to protect Florida’s unique wildlife from one of its most persistent invaders.
Africa Daily News, New York
