Robot Rabbits Join the Fight Against Florida’s Invasive Pythons

South Florida officials are testing an unusual new weapon against invasive Burmese pythons: robot rabbits.

The snakes, which can grow over 16 feet long, have wiped out nearly all small mammals in parts of the Everglades and continue to devastate native species. Since 2000, more than 23,000 pythons have been removed, but experts say tens of thousands more remain hidden.

“The problem isn’t removing them—it’s finding them,” said Mike Kirkland, lead invasive animal biologist for the South Florida Water Management District.

This summer, the district and University of Florida researchers deployed 120 solar-powered robot rabbits. The devices look, move, and even smell like real marsh rabbits. Fitted with heating elements and scent markers, they lure pythons into monitored pens where cameras detect movement and alert trappers. Each unit costs about $4,000.

Officials once used live rabbits, but that proved expensive and impractical. The robots, however, can run indefinitely and be remotely activated.

Burmese pythons, originally released by pet owners or escapees, have no natural predators in Florida. A female can lay up to 100 eggs at a time, fueling their spread. While alligators, bobcats, and coyotes occasionally eat python eggs, nothing reliably keeps their population in check.

Officials stress that every snake captured helps protect Florida’s fragile ecosystem. “Every invasive python removed makes a difference,” said board member Ron Bergeron.

Though still in its early stages, the robot rabbit project offers hope. “We’re confident this will work once we refine it,” Kirkland said.