Carpet python shocks onlookers with stomach bulge

The carpet python is common across Australia and Papua New Guinea and is typically spotted around November but high rainfall across the country means carpet python sightings are likely to peak in late December and early January.

Depending on their size, carpet pythons will typically eat around 6-7 meals of this size every year.

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Melbourne-based snake expert Raymond Hoser said the snake's stomach is likely to get bigger before it gets smaller as gas and digestive fluids build over the next few days.

The expert said the snake's meal is likely to be a bird or possum as pythons are unlikely to eat household pets. But household pets are at risk of snake bites.

Owners worried about pet safety could seek snake avoidance training for dogs from Mr Hoser, who uses shock training to deter dogs from attacking snakes.

Mr Hoser, also known as the 'Snake Man', reassures pet owners that snakes are unlikely to bite unless provoked.