It has been a quiet season for regional snake catchers despite more people being home due to COVID-19.
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Gianni Hodgson of Hodgson's Snakes - Rescue and Removal is a licensed snake catcher who operates across much of Victoria's southwest, including Ararat and Stawell.
Mr Hodgson said there has been a notable decrease in the number of snakes he has been called out to rescue this summer.
"There's definitely been a reduction in calls compared to this time last year," he said.
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Mr Hodgson said many Victorian snake catchers frequently interact with one another, often to help identify which of them is closest to different cases they are notified about.
He said those he has spoken to have seen a similar decline in call-outs, despite there not being a clear explanation why.
"The weather has still been good for snakes," he said.
"There's been a few wet patches, but usually afterwards you get a lot coming out to get a drink of water."
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In New South Wales the weather has triggered an increase in snake populations, particularly along the south coast.
Despite recent months being quieter than usual there, have still been some incidents with snakes in The Grampians.
Mr Hodgson said in Ararat and Stawell he primarily deals with brown snakes and tiger snakes, with the occasional red-bellied black snake and copperhead snake as well.
He said taking some simple precautions can help people stay safe from them.
"Make sure any children or dogs are out of the way," he said.
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"Once you call me I will give you more advice from there. But once you decide you want it to be removed, keep an eye on it until I get there because they can disappear very quickly.
"Even if it disappears under a bush, you can keep your eyes on the bush so you know it hasn't left there."
Mr Hodgson said the threat snakes pose is often misrepresented.
"If they are cornered and their only way out is through you then they might strike out to defend themselves and to warn you to leave them alone," he said.
"But snakes aren't aggressive by nature."
People who need a snake removed can phone Mr Hodgson on 0490 415 734.
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