Source: AP News
Florida wildlife officials are deploying robotic rabbits to combat the invasive Burmese python crisis in the Everglades. These toy rabbits, retrofitted to emit heat, scent, and natural movements, lure snakes from hiding so contractors can capture and remove them. Developed by the South Florida Water Management District and University of Florida researchers, 120 robot rabbits costing about $4,000 each were tested this summer.
The effort follows failed attempts using live rabbits, which proved too costly. Burmese pythons, often released by pet owners, have devastated the Everglades ecosystem, eliminating up to 95% of small mammals and threatening birds and native predators. With females producing up to 100 eggs at a time, the population—estimated between tens of thousands and 300,000—is difficult to control. Since 2000, more than 23,000 snakes have been removed, aided by annual events like the Florida Python Challenge. Officials believe the robotic rabbits show promise in the ongoing battle to protect Florida’s wildlife.
Read the full story HERE: https://apnews.com/article/pythons-everglades-florida-robot-rabbits-4cf0b3879d8fa0940178f1262bf84d11