A woman in Brisbane, Australia, experienced a startling wake-up call this week. She found a massive two-and-a-half-metre carpet python lying directly on top of her in bed.
The Unusual Bedfellow
Rachel Bloor was fast asleep in her home late on Monday night when the incident occurred. The large snake crawled onto her bed while she was sleeping. Initially, Bloor thought the weight pressing on her stomach and chest was simply her pet dog settling down.
She soon realized something was moving under the covers. That is when she understood this was no ordinary visitor.
A Calm Response to a Scary Situation
Bloor immediately woke her husband. He turned on the lights and saw the enormous reptile. "Oh baby. Don't move. There's like a 2.5m python on you," he told her, as Bloor later recounted to the BBC.
Her husband quickly removed their two dogs from the bedroom. He instructed Bloor to remain perfectly still. She then slowly and carefully slid out from under the covers, escaping the snake's grasp.
Guiding the Snake to Safety
Remarkably, Bloor did not panic. She actually helped guide the python out of the room. Together with her husband, she directed the snake toward an open bedroom window, allowing it to exit safely.
While her husband was stunned by the encounter, Bloor remained completely unfazed. She explained that she grew up around snakes on a large property, known locally as an acreage. This experience gave her a unique perspective.
"I think if you're calm, they're calm," she told the BBC, sharing her philosophy on handling such situations.
How Did the Snake Get Inside?
Bloor believes the carpet python climbed up to the second storey of her house. It likely entered through a bedroom window by pushing open the shutters. This shows the surprising agility and strength of these reptiles.
About Carpet Pythons
Carpet pythons are non-venomous constrictor snakes. They are commonly found in coastal areas across Australia. These snakes typically feed on small animals, including birds and rodents.
Encounters with wildlife are not uncommon in many parts of Australia. However, finding such a large snake in one's bed is certainly an extraordinary event. The incident highlights the importance of securing homes in areas where native wildlife is active.
Bloor's calm and practical response prevented any harm to herself, her husband, their pets, or the snake. It serves as a reminder that composure can be the best tool in unexpected wildlife encounters.
