Morelia spilota mcdowelli (Carpet Python)

Status: Least Concern.

Carpet pythons range over large portions of Australia, and have even adapted to living in suburbia - commonly living in roof spaces. Their patterning is just fantastic, and lets them blend into the undergrowth perfectly.

We were camping when I discovered this guy. It was late, and I'd gone out to clean my teeth. I was leaning over a log to spit out the paste, and did a double take when I saw him on the other side. I'd been looking at it for minutes without seeing it.

It was early spring, and still cold. The snake was sluggish and out of condition, having used up any fat reserves over the winter dormant period. Since it was so thin, its head looks larger than normal compared to its body.