“On average, only two Australians die each year from snake bite,” Mr Jacewicz said.

“That is still two deaths too many.”

Mr Jacewicz is a presenter for the Crocodile Encounters team who perform educational shows at schools, shopping centres and agricultural shows around the country.

Mr Jacewicz said there were about 140 species of snake in Australia and about 100 of those were venomous, including the world’s most venomous, the inland taipan.

Nine species of snake make their home in the Eurobodalla. However, Mr Jacewicz said most residents encounter red-bellied blacks, with occasional sightings of brown snakes and diamond pythons.

Other species in the area are death adder, tiger snake, small-eyed snake, masters snake, mustard-bellied snake, and yellow-bellied sea-snake.

Mr Jacewicz said the commonly seen red-bellied black snakes performed some useful duties.

“They eat other snakes,” Mr Jacewicz said.

“They also eat rodents like rats and mice.”

“Mr Jacewicz said snakes take up residence near chookpens or sheds containing livestock feed.

“They come in to eat the rodents that are attracted to these areas.”

He said that although venomous, there are no recorded deaths from red-bellied black snake bite.

“To die, you would have to be bitten and then not seek treatment for two weeks.” Mr Jacewicz said.

Mr Jacewicz agreed there were good reasons to have snakes removed from residential areas.

“Particularly where kids or pets will come into contact with snakes,” he said.

However, he was adamant you don’t try and kill them.

“They are protected animals,” Mr Jacewicz said.

“But that is not the main reason avoid killing them.

“By far the majority of snake bites occur when people, usually men, try and kill snakes – they usually fail and they get bitten.

“If you need a snake removed, contact your local wildlife rescue or snake wrangler; this saves people’s and snake’s lives.”