When Wayne Alford found a snake in his Murrumbateman stable five years ago, he reached not for a shovel to kill but a rake to collect.
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He now keeps three snakes in his home as he leads the snake-handling courses for volunteer group Wildcare for the first time.
"In 2009 I called the person from Wildcare and they couldn't get it, so I used a rake and put it in my pillow, then released it," Mr Alford said.
The volunteer snake co-ordinator, by day a federal Department of Human Services public servant, said the courses starting next month combine an evening of theory, including first aid, then a chance to coax everything from red-bellied black snakes to tiger snakes into a bag.
"We're the only organisation in this region that do the actual training," Mr Alford said.
"It [gives participants] a sense of confidence in being able to deal with the animal, but it's also a sense of respect - to know it's not trying to hurt me, and I understand its behaviour," he said.
Wildcare training officer Laurel Rosin said the 40 spots this year had filled quickly, but places were available for the December session.
"We get firemen who do it, police who do it, farmers; it is a very popular course, more so than any other course for some reason," she said.
Mr Alford said those who complete the course, which has been run for more than a decade, could choose to become a Wildcare snake rescuer in NSW.
Territory and Municipal Services officers manage snake incidents in the ACT.
The December 5-7 course will be held in the RV Smith Centre in Queanbeyan, while practical sessions take place at Googong Dam. For information or to register, email training@wildcare.com.au
Wildcare tips to reduce snake risks
* Remove shelter, food (such as poultry pellets, which can attract mice) and water which can attract snakes close to your home
* Wherever possible, if you see a snake leave it alone. It's normally going from one place to another.
* If a snake is posing an immediate threat and you can do so safely, squirt it with water from a hose to encourage it to move on.
* If you see snakes regularly near your home, install metal snake and mouse mesh (not chicken wire) to prevent access.