In a shocking video that got attention on social media, a Brazilian content creator, Beatriz Lopes, was briefly threatened by her pet snake, a boa constrictor, a species of snake, in an incident that exposes the sensitive balance between humans and wildlife, even around the home.
What Exactly Happened with Beatriz Lopes?
Beatriz Lopes, a Brazilian social media star, was in her garden when she approached her pet snake, and it took an unexpected twist.
In the video, Lopes is sitting next to the huge boa constrictor, reaching to stroke it. The snake suddenly raises its head, apparently to attack, in a scary moment. Lopes quickly moves away with no injuries.
Like Other Python: Why Boa Constrictors Are a Non-Venomous
Boa constrictors are a non-venomous constrictor snake native to Central and South America. They can grow up to 13 feet in length and hunt small animals by constriction. Unlike pythons, which lay eggs, boa constrictors give birth to live young. Despite their formidable size, they are generally not considered to be any threat to humans.
Experts say the fear related to these snakes usually originates from misunderstanding their behaviors, especially when they shed skin.
Lopes explained that, in this case, the snake was in a phase of ecdysis. “During shedding, a snake’s eyes are covered by a protective layer that temporarily affects vision,” she said. “Their body also becomes more opaque, which can make them feel vulnerable and defensive.”
In the video, the clouded eyes and duller skin of the snake were visible indicators of this natural process. Lopes stressed that the snake was not being aggressive but was just reacting in defense due to temporary disorientation.
She also underlined the need for frequent and safe handling of a pet snake. “Acclimating a snake to human touch reduces fear and potential aggression,” she added, “though supervision with proper safety precautions must always be in place during interactions.”
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Brazilian Woman Bond with Giant Boa Constrictor
Several videos on Lopes’ Instagram account show her interactions with the boa constrictor, giving viewers an idea of what it’s like to be a caretaker of such a large reptile.
Wildlife specialists also emphasize that even though snakes can live with humans under controlled conditions, owners should be aware of the natural behaviors of shedding, feeding responses, and signals of stress in order to avoid accidents.
