Using sUAS to monitor Burmese pythons in the Everglades

USGS biologists operate a small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS) while University of Florida interns release a newly radio-tagged female Burmese Python (16 ft long and 147.9 pounds) back into the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The sUAS platform either fitted with radio tracking equipment or camera is being evaluated as a tool to improve detection and tracking efficiency, enhance data collection, and reduce labor and operational costs associated with traditional ground-based monitoring for pythons.