A WODONGA snake catcher said he is expecting an extremely busy season of snake catching ahead.
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Chris Porter, who also works as a security guard at night, said he had already received a few calls from concerned residents this year.
“About two weeks ago I caught a snake on my property in Staghorn Flat so the weather is already bringing them out,” he said.
“I caught about 40 snakes last year and more than 50 the year before.
“But I just have a strange feeling this summer could be even busier.”
Mr Porter said he thought urbanisation may be a reason more people are coming into contact with the reptiles.
“There’s an increased chance of encountering them in the fringes of suburbia because many new developments encroach on their territory,” he said.
“Obviously, with warmer, drier weather on the way, snakes sometimes come closer into towns as they search for food and drink.
“So anyone with a pool, pond or sprinkler system could see a snake because they’re attracted to water.”
The best thing to do when encountering a snake was to stay still, Mr Porter said.
“Keep your eye on it and don’t get too close because they can get nervous,” he said.
“Nine times out of 10 they’ll just go on their way.
“Try and see where they go so if you do need to call someone you can let them know where they might be.”
He also said pets could act as a warning signal that there may be snakes near the family home.
“Pets, especially dogs and cats, can normally let you know there’s a snake around the property,” he said.
“They can usually smell them well before you can see them and they’ll let out a different bark or meow if they come into contact with them.”
Mr Porter can be contacted on 0432 175 513.