Waking up in the early hours of the morning often comes with a familiar sense of routine and comfort, especially within the perceived safety of one’s own bedroom. For Brisbane resident Rachel Bloor, however, that sense of security was abruptly shattered by an encounter so extraordinary that it borders on the surreal. What began as a drowsy assumption that her pet dog had climbed onto her chest quickly transformed into a heart-stopping realization: an eight-foot carpet python was stretched across her body beneath the bedcovers.
The incident, later reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC, has since captured international attention, highlighting not only the unpredictability of wildlife encounters in Australia but also the composure and presence of mind displayed during a potentially dangerous situation.
Rachel Bloor’s experience stands out not merely because of the sheer size of the snake involved, but because of the calm, deliberate actions taken by her and her husband in the moments that followed. In a country where human-wildlife interactions are relatively common, this particular episode underscores both the reality of living alongside nature and the importance of understanding animal behavior. It is a story that combines shock, restraint, and an unusual familiarity with the natural world, all unfolding within the most intimate of domestic settings.
A Startling Awakening in a Brisbane Bedroom
The incident occurred when Rachel Bloor awoke feeling weight across her chest, a sensation she instinctively attributed to one of her dogs seeking warmth or comfort. Still half-asleep, she reached out beneath the bedsheet, only to feel something smooth, muscular, and unmistakably alive in a way that did not resemble fur. The sudden tactile realization immediately dispelled any lingering drowsiness. Recognizing that something was very wrong, she asked her husband to turn on the bedroom light, a decision that brought the astonishing scene fully into view.
As the light illuminated the bed, the truth became clear. Draped across Bloor’s chest was a carpet python measuring approximately two-and-a-half meters, or around eight feet in length. Her husband’s response was measured but urgent. “Baby, don’t move,” he told her, carefully explaining that there was a large snake lying on top of her. The phrasing itself reflects the balance between alarm and control that would define the couple’s handling of the situation.
At that moment, Bloor’s primary concern was not her own safety but that of her two dogs. She immediately feared that if either animal noticed the snake, instinctive behavior could trigger a violent confrontation, placing both pets and python at risk. Her Dalmatian, in particular, was known for being reactive, and the possibility of chaos escalating within the confined space of the bedroom was very real. Her husband quickly removed the dogs from the room, creating a calmer environment and reducing the likelihood of sudden movements that could provoke the snake.
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Only once the pets were safely outside did Bloor focus on her own escape. She described the process as surreal, almost dreamlike, as she carefully maneuvered her body inch by inch from beneath the covers. The goal was to avoid startling the python, which appeared relatively relaxed and unthreatened. By slowly side-shuffling out of the bed, she managed to extricate herself without causing the snake to react defensively. Throughout the process, her thoughts oscillated between disbelief and concentration, emphasizing how extraordinary the situation felt even as it unfolded.
The Calm Removal of an Uninvited Guest
With Rachel Bloor safely out of the bed, attention turned to how the snake had entered the home and how it could be guided back outside without harm. Carpet pythons are non-venomous constrictors, and while they are not typically aggressive toward humans, their size alone means they can pose a danger if mishandled. Both Rachel Bloor and her husband were aware of this, having lived in environments where snakes were a regular presence throughout their lives.
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The python appeared calm, showing no signs of agitation despite the unusual circumstances. Rachel Bloor observed that part of its tail was still visible through a window shutter, leading her to believe this was the route by which it had entered the bedroom. Brisbane’s subtropical climate and proximity to bushland make such encounters possible, particularly when snakes seek warmth, shelter, or prey.
Displaying remarkable composure, Bloor gently teased the snake toward the shutters, encouraging it to move in the direction it had come from. At one point, she even briefly grasped the python, noting later that it did not seem overly distressed by the contact. According to her account, the snake “sort of just wobbled” in her hand, an observation that suggests it was more disoriented than threatened. This calm demeanor was critical, as sudden or aggressive handling could have prompted a defensive response.
Eventually, the python left the bedroom and moved into the backyard, unharmed. No professional snake catcher was required, and no injuries were sustained by either humans or animals involved. The outcome stands in stark contrast to what could have occurred had panic taken over. Instead, the situation was resolved quietly, efficiently, and with respect for the animal’s well-being.
Following the incident, Rachel Bloor emphasized that while the experience was undoubtedly shocking, it did not leave her or her husband traumatized. Growing up and living in Australia had accustomed them to the presence of snakes, and they understood that fear-driven reactions often create more danger than the animal itself. Their familiarity with local wildlife likely contributed significantly to the safe resolution of the encounter.
Understanding Carpet Pythons and Living With Wildlife
Carpet pythons are among the most commonly sighted snakes in Queensland, according to Snake Rescue Sunshine Coast. As non-venomous reptiles, they are often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with their behavior. While they can grow to substantial lengths and possess considerable strength, they generally avoid human confrontation. Bites are rare and typically occur only when the snake feels threatened or is handled incorrectly.
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These pythons are also a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts who keep snakes as pets, precisely because of their non-venomous nature and relatively calm temperament when properly cared for. However, wildlife experts caution that their size alone means they should be treated with caution, particularly in uncontrolled environments such as private homes. Even non-venomous snakes can cause injury if they constrict or bite defensively.
The incident involving Rachel Bloor serves as a reminder of the porous boundary between human living spaces and natural habitats in many parts of Australia. Urban expansion, combined with preserved green spaces, often results in wildlife venturing into residential areas. Snakes may enter homes in search of warmth, especially during cooler nights, or while following prey such as rodents.
Bloor later remarked that despite her comfort around snakes, there were still creatures she found unsettling. Toads, she admitted, frightened her far more than pythons ever could. This candid observation highlights how fear is often subjective and shaped by personal experience rather than objective risk.
From a broader perspective, the story illustrates the importance of education and awareness when living in regions rich in wildlife. Knowing how to respond calmly, understanding which species are dangerous, and recognizing when to seek professional assistance can make the difference between a frightening story and a tragic outcome. Rachel Bloor’s experience, while extraordinary, ultimately ended without harm because of patience, knowledge, and restraint.
The image of waking to find an eight-foot python lying across one’s chest is undeniably unsettling. Yet, in this case, it also became a testament to coexistence between humans and wildlife, even under the most unexpected circumstances.
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