Illawarra households have been urged to be vigilant, after a snake attacked and killed a beloved family pet at Shell Cove.
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The Hickey family lost their dog Peanut after it was bitten by a red bellied black snake on Sunday afternoon.
Amanda Hickey said her daughter's three-year-old Dachshund died within half an hour, the snake appearing to be attracted by bowls of water left for the dogs.
"I can't get my dog back but I don't want anyone else to go through what we're going through at the moment, or for a small child to be bitten," Mrs Hickey said.
The family has three other dogs, and what is believed to be the same snake returned on Monday afternoon.
Two of their dogs encountered the approximately 1.2m red bellied black snake on the home's back patio.
Mrs Hickey saw the incident, took the dogs inside and called Illawarra Snake Catcher owner Glen Peacock, who located the snake behind a water tank.
"It was horrific, and to think the snake has come back for a second go... It just shows how vigilant you need to be," she said.
"We back on to the road backing on to the quarry.
"There's a clear glass wall and they seem to be coming through there."
Mr Peacock euthanized the badly injured snake.
Among venomous species, he said red bellied black snakes were likely the most common in the Illawarra, especially in Shell Cove.
He advised that if residents have water lying around, such as pet bowls, they should place them so only the pets can get to them.
He also said it was important to be aware that fish ponds or water features can also attract snakes looking for a drink amid the dry weather.
"They are coming out of hibernation looking for food, water or shelter, and it's mating season in spring so they're on the move," he told the Mercury.
Mr Peacock said keeping your yard's grass short was one way to help avoid creating a habitat for snakes.
"Also, when you plant in your garden, try to trim under bushes so you can see under them," he said.
"Avoid ground covering plants as it gives them somewhere to hide."
Mr Peacock said red bellied black snakes were typically shy creatures, who are "not looking to bite us".
"But if they're startled or cornered they will defend themselves," he said.
"Don't try to remove or kill it yourself - 75-80 per cent of snake bites are from people trying to either remove the snake or kill it themselves.
"Call a snake handler instead."
