brisbane carpet python

Brisbane's Uninvited House Guest: A 2.5-Metre Carpet Python's Overnight Stay

In the humid embrace of a Queensland summer night, a routine sleep turned into a scene straight out of a thriller for one Brisbane resident. The encounter serves as a stark, fascinating reminder of the wildlife that shares our urban spaces, particularly the elusive and often misunderstood Brisbane carpet python.

While Australians are accustomed to sharing their continent with unique fauna, the specifics of this recent event have captivated the nation. A woman in Brisbane awoke to find a 2.5-metre python curled up on her chest, a situation that highlights the surprising proximity of wildlife in suburban environments. This article delves into the verified details of the incident, explores the nature of these magnificent reptiles, and examines what this means for residents living on the edge of the bush.

A Morning Unlike Any Other

The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of mid-January, quickly became a national talking point. According to verified reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and international news outlets like the BBC, a Brisbane woman was startled from her sleep not by an alarm, but by a heavy weight on her chest.

Her partner, noticing the uninvited guest, whispered the now-iconic words: "Babe, don't move." The intruder was a massive 2.5-metre (approximately 8.2 feet) carpet python, comfortably settled on top of the duvet.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on the incident on January 16, 2026, detailing the tense moments as the couple remained perfectly still, unsure of the snake's temperament or intentions. The situation was a delicate balance of fear and fascination. While the python was non-venomous, its size and sudden appearance in a domestic setting were undeniably alarming.

The couple eventually managed to contact a local snake catcher, who safely removed the reptile from the home. The incident was not an isolated one; similar reports from 1News New Zealand and the BBC confirmed the story, highlighting its widespread appeal and the very real possibility of such encounters in the region.

The Unseen World of Urban Pythons

To understand why a python might choose a warm human bed as its resting spot, it's essential to understand the creature's nature. The Brisbane carpet python (Morelia spilota mcdowelli) is a subspecies of the diamond python, a common sight in and around Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and northern New South Wales.

These snakes are non-venomous constrictors. They are not aggressive by nature and generally prefer to avoid human contact. Their primary diet consists of rodents, possums, and birds—animals often found in suburban backyards. The presence of a large python in a residential area is often a strong indicator of a healthy, local ecosystem with a robust prey population.

During the warmer months, particularly from September to April, snake activity increases significantly. As cold-blooded reptiles, they rely on external sources for warmth. A bed, still warm from a human body, presents an attractive basking spot, especially during cooler nights. This behaviour, while terrifying for the humans involved, is simply the python seeking a comfortable temperature.

The incident in Brisbane was a perfect storm of factors: a snake on the move, a warm and accessible home, and an open point of entry. It’s a scenario that wildlife experts say is more common than many realise, though rarely does it occur with such dramatic intimacy.

A History of Human-Snake Encounters

While the 2026 incident has captured headlines, encounters between humans and pythons in Australia are not without precedent. The country's unique geography and climate make it a haven for over 1,400 species of reptiles, including some of the world's largest snakes.

The Brisbane carpet python is a master of adaptation. It thrives in the urban-wildland interface, using suburban gardens, rooftops, and even ceilings as pathways and hiding spots. For decades, snake catchers across Southeast Queensland have reported call-outs for pythons in swimming pools, ceiling cavities, and, occasionally, inside living rooms.

This long-standing coexistence has shaped local attitudes. For many long-term residents, the presence of snakes is an accepted part of life, necessitating a level of awareness and respect. However, the sheer intimacy of this particular encounter—a snake sharing a bed—resonates because it breaches the perceived safety of the most private domestic space.

The broader implication is one of urban expansion. As housing developments push further into natural habitats, the lines between suburbia and the wild become increasingly blurred. This doesn't necessarily mean more conflict, but it does mean more frequent, and often surprising, interactions.

Immediate Impact and Public Reaction

The immediate effect of the news story was a mixture of shock, humour, and a renewed sense of vigilance across Brisbane and beyond. Social media platforms were flooded with comments, memes, and personal anecdotes of snake encounters. The phrase "Babe, don't move" became a local catchphrase overnight.

For the couple involved, the psychological impact is likely to be lasting. The sense of security in their own home has undoubtedly been shaken. Experts suggest that such an event can lead to heightened anxiety, but also an increased awareness of home security measures, such as checking for gaps in doors and windows and keeping screens in good repair.

On a wider scale, the incident has sparked conversations about wildlife management and education. It highlights the importance of knowing how to react in such a situation—remaining calm, moving slowly, and contacting a professional snake catcher rather than attempting to handle the situation oneself.

Snake catchers in the region reported a surge in calls following the news, not all of which were genuine snake sightings. The "python on the bed" story created a level of public awareness that is both a blessing and a challenge for wildlife professionals. It encourages people to be more observant, but it can also lead to a spike in misidentifications and unnecessary panic.

Looking Ahead: Coexistence in a Shared Habitat

The Brisbane carpet python is here to stay. It is a resilient, adaptable species that plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by controlling rodent populations. The challenge, therefore, is not one of eradication, but of coexistence.

Looking forward, we can expect to see more such encounters as climate patterns shift and urban sprawl continues. Summers are predicted to become hotter and longer, potentially extending the active season for reptiles. This means residents must become even more proactive in making their homes less attractive to uninvited wildlife.

Here are some practical steps for Brisbane residents to minimise the chances of a similar encounter:

• Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps under doors, holes in screens, and openings in eaves or roof spaces. Pythons are surprisingly adept at squeezing through small spaces.
• Reduce Prey Attractants: Keep your yard tidy, store pet food in sealed containers, and manage compost heaps to discourage rodents, which in turn attract pythons.
• Be Snake Aware: When walking in the bush or even your own garden, be mindful of where you step and place your hands. Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Know Who to Call: Keep the number of a local, licensed snake catcher saved in your phone. Do not attempt to handle a snake yourself.

The story of the Brisbane woman and her 2.5-metre bedmate is more than just a sensational news item. It is a powerful illustration of the intricate dance between humans and wildlife in modern Australia. It reminds us that we share our space with a host of other creatures, each following its own instincts. While the initial shock is understandable, the python is not a monster; it is simply a wild animal in an increasingly urbanised world.

By fostering understanding and taking simple preventative measures, we can continue to live alongside these magnificent creatures, ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife. The python has taken its leave, but its presence will linger in our collective memory, a whisper from the wild in the heart of the city.