WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In a unique approach to controlling the invasive Burmese python population in the Everglades, researchers have introduced robot rabbits designed to attract the snakes. These robotic bunnies mimic the appearance, movement, and even scent of real marsh rabbits, which are a primary prey for pythons. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the South Florida Water Management District to reduce the impact of these snakes on native wildlife.

Burmese pythons have significantly affected the ecosystem in Everglades National Park, leading to a 95% decline in small mammal populations and a substantial decrease in bird species. Mike Kirkland, the lead invasive animal biologist for the water district, explained the challenge of locating these snakes. "Removing them is fairly simple. It's detection. We're having a really hard time finding them. They're so well camouflaged in the field," he said.

This summer, the water district, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Florida, deployed 120 robot rabbits as part of an experimental program. Previous attempts to use live rabbits as lures proved too costly and labor-intensive. The robot rabbits are modified toy models that can emit heat and scent, and they are designed to move naturally to attract pythons. "They look like a real rabbit," Kirkland noted. The robots are solar-powered and can be activated remotely. They are placed in small enclosures monitored by cameras that alert researchers when a python is nearby, allowing for quick response to capture the snake.

Each robot rabbit costs approximately $4,000, funded by the water district. Pythons, which are not native to Florida, have proliferated in the Everglades due to escapes from captivity and intentional releases by pet owners. A female python can lay between 50 and 100 eggs, with a gestation period of 60 to 90 days, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Estimates of the python population in Florida vary widely, with the U.S. Geological Survey suggesting there are "tens of thousands," while other estimates reach as high as 300,000. The snakes face few natural predators, although alligators and some mammals may occasionally prey on their eggs. Since 2000, over 23,000 pythons have been removed from the wild.

The introduction of robot rabbits is seen as a promising strategy to address the growing python problem. Ron Bergeron, a member of the water district governing board, stated, "Every invasive python that is removed makes a difference for Florida's environment and its native wildlife."

Pythons can be humanely killed year-round on private lands and areas managed by the wildlife commission. The annual "Florida Python Challenge" incentivizes participants with cash prizes for capturing the most pythons and the longest snake. This year, 934 participants from 30 states captured 294 pythons, with a top prize of $10,000 awarded to one individual who caught 60 snakes.

While it is too early to assess the effectiveness of the robot rabbit project, officials express optimism about its potential. "This part of the project is in its infancy," Kirkland said. "We are confident, though, that this will work once we are given enough time to work out some of these details."