Robot Rabbits Hunt Deadly Pythons in Florida Everglades: A Bold New Plan to Save Wildlife!
In a groundbreaking move to protect Florida’s fragile Everglades ecosystem, the South Florida Water Management District has unleashed an army of robotic rabbits to tackle the invasive Burmese python population. These lifelike, solar-powered decoys, designed to look, move, and even smell like real marsh rabbits, are luring the giant snakes out of hiding.
The initiative, launched this summer in collaboration with University of Florida researchers, aims to curb the devastating impact of pythons, which have decimated native wildlife in the region. With 120 robot rabbits now in action, this innovative experiment could be a game-changer in the fight to save the Everglades.
A Clever Disguise to Catch a Predator
Burmese pythons, which can grow up to 19 feet long, are notoriously difficult to spot in the wild due to their excellent camouflage. “Removing them is fairly simple. It’s detection. We’re having a really hard time finding them,” said Mike Kirkland, lead invasive animal biologist for the South Florida Water Management District. The pythons’ elusive nature has made traditional removal methods challenging, prompting officials to think outside the box.
The robot rabbits, deployed across the Everglades this summer, are a creative solution. These are not ordinary toys but carefully engineered devices retrofitted to mimic real rabbits. They emit heat, produce a rabbit-like scent, and make natural movements to attract pythons. Each robot, costing around $4,000 and funded by the water district, is solar-powered and can be remotely activated or deactivated. Placed in small pens monitored by video cameras, the robots send a signal when a python approaches, allowing contractors to swoop in and remove the snake.
This approach marks a shift from earlier efforts that used live rabbits as bait, which proved too costly and labor-intensive. “They look like a real rabbit,” Kirkland said of the robots, expressing confidence in their potential. While the project is still in its early stages, initial results are promising, offering hope for a more effective way to track and eliminate the invasive snakes.
The Python Problem: A Threat to the Everglades
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida but have thrived in the Everglades’ swampy, subtropical environment since the mid-1990s. Originally imported as exotic pets, many were released or escaped into the wild, particularly after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 destroyed a reptile breeding facility, freeing countless snakes.
A single female python can lay 50 to 100 eggs every 60 to 90 days, fueling an explosive population growth. Estimates of their numbers vary widely, with the U.S. Geological Survey suggesting “tens of thousands” and other reports citing up to 300,000 snakes.
These pythons pose a severe threat to native wildlife, having wiped out 95% of small mammals and thousands of birds in Everglades National Park. Their diet is vast, including rabbits, raccoons, deer, birds, and even alligators. With no natural predators, the snakes have free rein to disrupt the ecosystem.
A 2022 video showing a python defending its nest from a bobcat underscored their dominance. Scientists also warn that climate change could make the entire United States a suitable habitat for pythons by 2050, amplifying the urgency of controlling their spread.
Since 2000, over 23,000 pythons have been removed from Florida’s wild, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Every invasive python that is removed makes a difference for Florida’s environment and its native wildlife,” said Ron Bergeron, a member of the water district’s governing board. The robot rabbit initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect the Everglades and its biodiversity.
Community Efforts: The Florida Python Challenge
Florida has taken a multi-faceted approach to combat the python invasion, including public participation through the annual “Florida Python Challenge.” Held in July, this event encourages hunters to capture and humanely kill pythons, offering cash prizes for categories like the most snakes caught or the longest snake.
In 2025, nearly 1,000 participants from 30 states joined the challenge, removing 294 pythons. Florida resident Taylor Stanberry won the top prize of $10,000 for capturing 60 snakes, highlighting the community’s commitment to tackling the issue.
The state also runs a Python Elimination Program, employing up to 50 professional hunters to track and remove pythons year-round. One such hunter, Donna Kalil, has caught over 1,000 snakes and told local media, “I know I’m making a difference. Every single python that’s removed is making a positive difference.” These efforts, combined with the robot rabbit project, demonstrate Florida’s determination to protect its natural heritage.
A Hopeful Future for the Everglades
While it’s too early to measure the full success of the robot rabbit experiment, officials are optimistic. “This part of the project is in its infancy,” Kirkland said, noting that fine-tuning the technology could lead to significant breakthroughs. The robots represent a blend of innovation and practicality, offering a scalable solution to a problem that has plagued Florida for decades.
The fight against Burmese pythons is about more than just removing snakes it’s about preserving the Everglades’ delicate balance and protecting its native species for future generations. As the robot rabbits hop into action, they carry the hope of restoring an ecosystem under siege. With continued innovation, community involvement, and determination, Florida is taking bold steps to reclaim its wild spaces from an invasive predator.
