Florida, United States (Enmaeya News) — In an innovative effort to manage the growing population of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida, researchers have introduced robotic marsh rabbits to lure the elusive snakes out of hiding.
The solar-powered, remote-controlled decoys are designed to look, smell, and feel like real marsh rabbits—one of the python's favorite meals. Developed by scientists at the University of Florida, the robotic rabbits emit heat signatures and synthetic odors that mimic live prey. Each device is also equipped with a camera to detect movement and alert snake control teams when a python approaches.
The project is part of the South Florida Water Management District’s Python Elimination Program, which aims to reduce the number of Burmese pythons across more than 1,000 square miles of South Florida, including the Everglades National Park and surrounding coastal areas like Rookery Bay.
“We’re trying to simulate everything a real rabbit would produce to trick the pythons,” said Dr. Robert McCleery, a wildlife ecologist involved in the project. “After ten years of documenting the damage these snakes are doing, it’s time to start solving the problem.”
The initiative is a joint effort between the University of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Researchers repurposed 40 toy rabbits by removing their stuffing and replacing it with electronic components powered by solar energy and protected against South Florida’s heavy rains and humidity.
This isn’t the first time unconventional tactics have been used to catch pythons. In 2020, the FWC deployed trained detector dogs to sniff out the snakes. In 2022, University of Florida researchers used live rabbits in cages, successfully attracting 22 pythons in 90 days. Previous methods also included attaching GPS trackers to live prey like raccoons, rabbits, and opossums to lead hunters to the snakes after being consumed.
Officials have also tracked male pythons to locate egg-laying females, and offer cash rewards to bounty hunters who capture and euthanize the animals.
Despite these efforts, detecting Burmese pythons remains a major challenge. Research shows their detectability rate is just 1% to 3%. That means only one to three snakes are typically spotted for every 100 present in a given area. At Everglades National Park, officials may spend up to eight hours in the field to locate a single python.
Since being introduced into the U.S. pet trade in the 1970s, Burmese pythons have become a dominant invasive species. Roughly 180,000 pythons were brought into the country between 1975 and 2018. Many were released—intentionally or accidentally—into the wild. By 2000, a self-sustaining population had been established in South Florida.
Their impact on local wildlife has been devastating. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), at least 76 different prey species—including mammals, birds, reptiles, and even alligators—have been found in python stomachs.
A 2012 study revealed dramatic population declines in several native species: raccoons (down 99.3%), opossums (down 98.9%), and bobcats (down 87.5%). Another study in 2015 found marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and foxes had nearly vanished from affected areas.
One shocking incident in 2022 involved biologists stumbling upon a nearly 15-foot python consuming an adult white-tailed deer—evidence of the snake’s remarkable strength and threat to larger prey.
However, researchers believe the local ecosystem may slowly be fighting back. Documented cases show native predators like alligators, cottonmouth snakes, and bobcats attacking and killing Burmese pythons.
Black rats, another invasive species, seem to be one of the few mammals unaffected. First introduced from Europe centuries ago, they’ve managed to survive thanks to their rapid breeding, adaptability, and scavenging abilities.
While the U.S. banned the import of Burmese pythons in 2012, complete eradication remains unlikely. Still, officials hope these high-tech decoys will give them a much-needed advantage in the ongoing battle to protect Florida’s fragile ecosystems.
