Palm Beach County, FL – UF researchers are using solar-powered robot bunnies to track and attract invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida.Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) have created an innovative solution to help track invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida using robot bunnies. The pythons, which have been a significant environmental issue in Florida since the 1970s, were likely introduced through the exotic pet trade and have become apex predators in the region. The snakes’ ability to stay hidden has made it difficult for wildlife managers to track and control their population.
UF wildlife ecology professor Dr. Robert McCleery and his team released 40 remote-controlled, solar-powered robot bunnies this month to mimic marsh rabbits, which are a preferred prey of pythons.
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