Key Highlights
- Australian woman awakens with an 8-foot carpet python coiled on her chest.
- Bloor carefully removed the snake herself through a window to avoid calling professionals.
- Snake catcher warns of increased snake activity during breeding season in Queensland.
- Experts suggest household features like gaps in garage doors can provide easy access for snakes.
A Woman’s Nightmarish Encounter with an 8-Foot Python
In a bizarre and unsettling incident, an Australian woman awoke to find a massive carpet python coiled across her chest. The encounter took place in Brisbane, Queensland, on Monday night, leaving the homeowner both horrified and determined not to call professionals.
A Night of Fright and Calm
Rachel Bloor’s initial thought was that her dog had somehow managed to climb onto her bed. However, when she reached out under the covers, she felt a smooth movement beneath her hand. “To my horror, I realized it wasn’t my dog,” Bloor recounted to the BBC.
Quick Thinking and Calm Handling
With her family dogs in the room, Bloor’s immediate concern was for their safety. She instructed her husband to remove them from the bedroom before proceeding with caution. “I thought if my Dalmatian realized that there’s a snake there, it is gonna be carnage,” she said.
After ensuring the dogs were safely out of harm’s way, Bloor carefully worked her way out from beneath the covers and side shuffled to the window. Instead of calling professional snake catchers, she decided to handle the situation herself. “I grabbed him,” she said, adding that the python “didn’t seem overly freaked out.”
Snake Activity on the Rise
The incident has drawn attention from local experts who warn that snake activity is increasing as breeding season approaches and eggs begin to hatch. Snake catcher Kurt Whyte told ABC News, “Obviously, with this hot weather, we’re seeing plenty of them getting out and about and basking in this sun.”
Whyte added that while snake populations have not necessarily increased, sightings are becoming more common as housing developments expand into Australian bushland. “They have got to find places to live, and our backyards are offering the perfect habitat,” he said.
Housing Hazards
The case highlights the importance of being aware of potential hazards in one’s home. Whyte noted that common household features can provide easy access for snakes seeking shelter. “Unfortunately, the gaps in our garage doors… provide the perfect entry points for a snake,” he warned.
Expert Analysis and Future Implications
The incident has sparked discussions on the growing presence of wildlife in urban areas and the importance of home safety measures. Experts recommend sealing gaps around windows and doors, keeping bushes trimmed away from homes, and being cautious when dealing with snakes to avoid unnecessary harm or panic.
Bloor’s calm handling of the situation serves as an example for others facing similar scenarios. While the encounter was undoubtedly frightening, her decision to act responsibly without calling professionals demonstrates a balanced approach to safety and problem-solving in the face of unexpected wildlife encounters.
