Brad Holt strode Cooma on Tuesday afternoon with pet snake Monty draped around his shoulders in the hope of making local residents more comfortable with snakes.

"Everybody has got such a big fear of snakes, but there's a massive misconception as they're not so scary," said Mr Holt.

"I live by a famous quote by Dr Singleton which is, "until he extends his compassion to all living things man will not find peace", so it doesn't matter if it's snake, ant, person or bull, we should treat them all the same.

"That's why I want to educate people and let them know snakes aren't out to hurt people, but are kind creatures.

"Even if I manage to educate one person it's all worthwhile."

Mr Holt's fascination and respect for the reptiles came after he was bitten by a brown snake.

"Ever since then I've had a personal connection, it's hard to explain," he said.

Mr Holt said he was interested in studying conservation or a similar field to gain the qualification to help educate the public about snakes.

"I look up to Steve Irwin, he's my idol, so I'd like to do something like work in a reptile park where people can see and touch snakes in a safe environment," he said.