It's been an early start to a busy season for snake handler Byron Stein.
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"Snake season usually starts by the end of November and lasts up to March or April," WIRES licensed snake handler Byron Stein said.
"Interestingly, the season this year started early. I started getting calls in late October last year, which is rare.
"Because the weather conditions are so dry, the snakes are coming in for food and water.
"I have caught few dehydrated snakes as even they are struggling in this drought.
"Another noticeable difference this year is that we are seeing the presence of snakes inside people's houses. I have seen more snakes indoors, under the beds, cupboard, kitchens this season than in previous years," he said.
If dry and warm weather conditions persist, Mr Stein believes that the current trend of snakes coming closer to people's homes and garden will be an increasingly common occurrence.
Mr Stein has answered calls on 40 incidents so far in several areas including Goulburn, Crookwell, Bungonia, Marulan and Windellema.
"My job is to safely remove snakes from people's homes," he said.
"There was a tiger snake under the door seal of the home," he said.
"Last week, I removed a 4.5ft Eastern brown snake from the kitchen of a lady residing near Braidwood Road."
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A licensed handler for 15 years, Mr Stein said that Goulburn town mostly seen Eastern brown snakes and Tiger snakes. There have been rare instances where he has seen a Red-bellied black snake.
"Whenever there is a building site or development in town, I tend to get quite a few snakes in that area because they get disturbed due to use of heavy machinery and digging up of dirt," Mr Stein said.
"While relocating the Tiger snakes, I look for a water source because I know there will be a food source near that as well. Meanwhile, Eastern brown snakes are not dependent on a fixed water source, so you can release them anywhere."
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Mr Stein asks people to try to stay calm, not to approach a snake when they see one and call a licensed snake handlers or ring WIRES on 1300 094 737.
"Get that help as quickly as you can. If you see a snake, keep your distance and keep an eye on it's movement. Snake will continue to move. Once you lose sight of them, it's impossible to find them," he said.
People can learn how to do learn how to do a pressure immobilisation bandage technique.
"Don't move your limb and call an ambulance, it will help save your life," he said.
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