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Robo-Bunnies Deployed to Trap Invasive Florida Pythons

In Florida’s Everglades, invasive Burmese pythons threaten native biodiversity and evade traditional removal efforts. University of Florida ecologists developed robo-bunnies—plush toys retrofitted with motors, heaters, and sensors—to mimic real marsh rabbits. Equipped with solar panels and camera triggers, these remote-controlled decoys may attract and expose pythons more efficiently. Researchers aim to prove effectiveness by November, potentially revolutionizing python management.

Published July 28, 2025 at 11:12 PM EDT in IoT

In a novel approach to wildlife management, University of Florida ecologists are turning plush toys into strategic decoys against invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades.

The Python Problem in the Everglades

Burmese pythons, introduced through the exotic pet trade in the 1970s, have become apex predators in South Florida’s wetlands, decimating populations of native rabbits, birds, and small mammals. Their elusive nature and adept camouflage make traditional trapping labor-intensive and inefficient.

From Plush Toy to Robo-Decoy

Assistant Professor Chris Dutton and Professor Robert McCleery stripped the stuffing from 40 plush bunny toys and retrofitted them with an array of technologies designed to mimic live marsh rabbits.

  • Motorized legs that simulate rabbit movement
  • Heaters calibrated to maintain a realistic rabbit body temperature
  • Solar panels for continuous, low-maintenance power
  • Motion-sensor cameras that alert researchers to python activity

By combining visual, thermal, and motion cues, these robo-bunnies aim to capture the full suite of signals that draw pythons to real prey, reducing the need for live animal pens and constant human oversight.

Field Testing and Data Collection

Launched this month across multiple Everglades pens, each solar-powered decoy transmits alerts when a python approaches. Researchers expect to analyze capture rates and behavior logs by November, refining the design or adding scent attractants if needed.

Implications for Conservation Technology

This project highlights how IoT-driven solutions can revolutionize ecological management. Remote monitoring and data analytics enable teams to deploy resources strategically, improve trap success rates, and scale efforts across vast, inaccessible habitats.

Next Steps and Future Enhancements

Pending initial results, the team plans to integrate rabbit scent dispersal and machine-learning algorithms to predict python movement patterns. These enhancements could make robo-decoys even more convincing and effective.

Conclusion

If proven successful, robo-bunnies could become a template for smart decoys in wildlife conservation worldwide, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary innovation to tackle ecological challenges.

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