Imagine waking up to the unsettling sensation of something heavy on your chest... only to discover a two-and-a-half-meter carpet python has decided to join you in bed! That's precisely what happened to Queensland resident Rachel Bloor, and her story is a wild ride of unexpected encounters and valuable lessons about our scaly neighbors.
It all started late one Monday evening when the snake, a carpet python, decided Ms. Bloor's bed was the perfect spot for a nap. Initially mistaking the weight for her labradoodle, Ms. Bloor quickly realized something was amiss when she felt movement under the covers. After waking her husband and hearing the news, panic understandably set in.
Ms. Bloor's husband quickly removed their dogs from the bedroom, leaving her to handle the situation. She was instructed to carefully crawl out from under the covers. Once out of bed, she guided the snake out the window. She believes the snake entered her second-story home by climbing through the window and pushing open the plantation shutters. Interestingly, despite the close encounter, Ms. Bloor, who grew up on a rural property, wasn't scared.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Snake catcher Kurt Whyte, based in Ipswich, notes that snake activity is on the rise due to breeding season and the warm weather. While the snake population hasn't necessarily increased, there are more sightings as new housing developments encroach on their natural habitats. He points out that our backyards offer the perfect environment for snakes, and even the gaps in garage doors can become inviting entry points.
If you happen to encounter a snake, the advice is clear: Don't panic, don't try to harm it, and certainly don't attempt to catch it yourself. Instead, keep an eye on it and call a professional snake catcher. The same goes for snake eggs.
This brings us to the story of Shane Hancock, who discovered 16 snake eggs on his Ipswich property, home to his business, The Llama Farm. His partner accidentally disturbed a carpet python incubating her eggs while cutting tall grass. The snake was injured by the whipper snipper blades.
They found the clutch of eggs, thankfully unharmed, and called a reptile rescue group for assistance. The eggs were collected and are now being incubated, with plans to release the baby snakes back on the farm once they hatch. Sadly, the mother snake had to be euthanized due to her injuries.
Tiarnah Kingaby, one of the snake catchers called to the Pine Mountain property, was optimistic about the eggs' chances of survival. She explained that this is the time of year when mother snakes are sitting on their eggs in areas with long grass or vegetation. She also warned against people trying to handle snakes themselves, as this is a major cause of snake bites. Both Kingaby and Whyte emphasize the importance of calling professionals.
What do you think? Are you surprised by the increase in snake sightings? Do you agree with the advice to call professionals rather than attempting to handle snakes yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
