A charming critter along the Lake Benalla walking track was flourishing with promise, only to mysteriously vanish without a trace.
On Sunday, May 11, the first mention of Rocky the Snake was uploaded to the Benalla Community Noticeboard Facebook group by creator Reesha Taurins.
Having recently moved to Benalla, Ms Taurins and her family were eager to join in with the town’s creative spirit by starting a little project for everyone in the community to enjoy.
And once the sign was set up and Rocky’s head crafted, a line of painted stones began trailing behind him.
“We had the idea to do the snake — in our dreams it would've gone the whole way around the lake,” Ms Taurins said.
“Big ambition, but obviously, he didn’t get that far, which was a bit disappointing.
“Everyone was super excited about it, and I think it made everyone smile.
“I think even when we went down to the lake, we’ve seen people walking past, they would stop and read and have a smile and keep going, you know.
“I think it was a nice thing to do.”
Heart of Art member and avid fan of Rocky the Snake, Greer Allen, recently visited to contribute her own stone, only to discover the beloved serpent had slithered away.
“I thought it was a very cool idea,” she said.
“I’m not sure who started it, but it was posted to our local Facebook page.
“I came down here and added a rock to it.
“It’s a real shame (it’s been removed), I think lots of people were enjoying it.”
When Ms Taurins was asked if Rocky the Snake would make a comeback, the answer, for the meantime, was “I don’t know”.
“I think we put a lot of effort into making him the first time … maybe we will, maybe someone else will,” she said.
“Everyone has contributed to it, it’s amazing — it showed the spirit of Benalla that we’ve come to love, and everyone jumped in together, and started a lovely project.
“I think it would’ve been nice to see him stick around, and maybe there will be ‘Rocky 2’.”
Since his disappearance became well-known, discussions surrounding Rocky the Snake has begun to circulate on social media.
While his absence has been a let-down for many members of the community, some still cling to hope.
Comments on the Benalla Ensign Facebook page proposed creating another Rocky the Snake, but with the added bonus of security and surveillance.
A commenter suggested the use of bigger rocks, while others advised the next location to be somewhere further away from the water’s edge.
One community member who still holds Benalla in her heart, although having moved away, shared her own thoughts on Rocky the Snake.
“I think (Rocky’s disappearance) is pretty disappointing, pretty upsetting,” Emma Tolliday said.
“I think it was such a good deed that people did and everyone seemed to get right around it and everyone was getting involved... pretty disappointing that someone (possibly) stole it.”
Ms Tolliday said bringing Rocky back was a good idea, but after the community got involved and made a huge effort, someone taking it was very sad.
“And chances are they’ll probably take it again,” she said.
“As good as it is, I just don’t know if people are trustworthy enough.”
Community members might have to keep a lookout around town sometime soon.
And if you spot something colourful -- don’t be spooked.
It might just be an old friend paying a visit.