Robot rabbits trick snakes to control invasive python population

By Ben Barry

Florida officials deploy robot rabbits to control the invasive Burmese python population.

Scientists from the South Florida Water Management District and the University of Florida have teamed up to use robotic rabbit decoys as part of our continuing efforts to combat and remove invasive pythons.

This summer, 120 robot rabbits were deployed to eliminate as many pythons as possible from the Everglades, where they are killing native species.

In Everglades National Park alone, officials have said the snakes have eliminated 95 percent of small mammals.

The robots produce a heat signature and emit a smell designed to attract pythons.

They are equipped with cameras that monitor for pythons and notify District officials when a snake is detected. Once notified, the District