"The University of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District developed the python-hunting tech this year, crafting remote-controlled, solar-powered stuffed rabbits that look and even smell like the real thing. The robo-rabbits also emit a realistic heat signature, sending the message to heat-sensing snakes in nearby swamps that dinner is served. Unbeknownst to the snakes, the robotic rabbits are also equipped with cameras that scan for pythons who have taken an interest in them."
""Invasive pythons are one of the most destructive and harmful species in America's Everglades," according to the South Florida Water Management District website. "Their aggressive predation on native wildlife robs panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other native predators of their primary food sources." The python problem is so bad that the state hosts an annual hunt, known as the Florida Python Challenge."
Florida's Everglades are infested with invasive Burmese pythons that prey on native wildlife and disrupt wetland ecosystems. The University of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District created remote-controlled, solar-powered stuffed rabbits that look, smell, and emit a realistic heat signature to attract heat-sensing pythons. The robo-rabbits are equipped with cameras that scan for interested pythons and send alerts so a python removal agent can be dispatched. Invasive pythons have severely reduced prey availability for panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other predators. The state also runs an annual Florida Python Challenge, which has removed thousands of pythons since 2013.
Read at Fast Company
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