What are the robotic rabbits used for in Florida?

The robotic rabbits are being used to lure and detect invasive Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, an effort to combat the growing python population that has devastated native wildlife.

How do the Burmese pythons impact the Everglades ecosystem?

The Burmese pythons, an invasive species in Florida, have caused a significant decline in small mammal populations in the Everglades, with sightings of animals like raccoons, opossums, and rabbits dropping by as much as 99% in python-heavy areas.

What is the status of the robotic rabbit program in Florida?

The robotic rabbit program was launched in 2025 as a pilot project, deploying approximately 120 units at an estimated cost of $4,000 each. Early results of the program have been promising, though it remains in the testing phase as officials work to combat the Burmese python invasion.

Home / Environment / Robotic Rabbits Deployed to Lure Invasive Pythons in Florida Everglades

Robotic Rabbits Deployed to Lure Invasive Pythons in Florida Everglades

6 Oct

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Summary

Robotic rabbits with fur, heating, and scent used to bait Burmese pythons
Pythons are an invasive species disrupting the Everglades ecosystem
Pilot program launched in 2025 with 120 units, showing promising early results

Robotic Rabbits Deployed to Lure Invasive Pythons in Florida Everglades

In 2025, the state of Florida has taken an innovative approach to combating the growing Burmese python population in the Everglades. The state has launched a pilot program that deploys robotic rabbits to lure and detect the invasive snakes.

These solar-powered decoys are designed to mimic real prey, complete with fur, a heating core, and even a "sniff test" feature to emit scent. The robotic rabbits are placed in small, camera-monitored enclosures, where they twitch slightly to attract the attention of the massive Burmese pythons. When a python slithers close enough, the system triggers alerts for removal teams to move in.

The Burmese python is not native to Florida, but has become an increasingly problematic invasive species in the Everglades over the past few decades. These snakes, which can grow over 18 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds, have devastated the local ecosystem, with sightings of small mammals like raccoons, opossums, and rabbits dropping by as much as 99% in python-heavy areas.

The pilot program, which was publicly announced in mid-2025, has deployed approximately 120 of these robotic rabbit units at an estimated cost of $4,000 each. According to state officials, the early results of the program have been promising, though it remains in the testing phase. As one 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."

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