Researchers have a new tool to track invasive pythons in the Everglades

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ever since Burmese pythons began appearing in South Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission agents have tried to eradicate the invasive reptiles.

The snakes, some measuring up to 18 feet long, have proven to be quite adept at eluding wildlife officers trying to manage their population.

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Now, thanks to a research partnership between Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Warren County Community College, there is a new tool under development.

Together with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, researchers have begun using drones to track the snakes.

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Dr. Joe Cerreta, with Embry-Riddle University, said with increased reliability, the technology could be used to detect various types of wildlife in other locations.

“There is so much learning to be done that we’ve barely scratched the surface in understanding how to address this problem,” Cerreta said.

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The hope is with future grant funding, the program will be able to add more advanced camera systems, radio receivers and incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities.

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