In case you hadn't already noticed ... snake season has well and truly started!
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Yes, it's that time of year when those long, skinny reptiles are out and about looking for food, a mate and the best spot to catch some sun.
For some of us, the mere mention of snakes brings on fear and anxiety but Mid North Coast snake-catcher Brenton Asquith says there is nothing to worry about, provided precautions are taken.
"Watch where you put your hands and feet and if you are out working in the garden wear boots, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt just to give yourself a bit of coverage," he said.
"If you do see a snake, keep your distance, don't harass it or get in the way, especially if it's on the move ... and if a snake does need to be removed, call a catcher.
"Don't try and determine if the snake is venomous yourself, just leave it alone; most bites occur while people are trying to catch or kill them."
There are roughly 3000 snakebites recorded in Australia each year, with only 550 of requiring hospitalisation and two resulting in death.
One in five of those bites reportedly occurs when people try to pick up or kill the snakes.
"If you are bitten, your best friend will be a pressure bandage, which is why it's always a good idea to carry a snakebite kit if you if you go into the bush, then get to the hospital or call 000," Brenton said.
"Snakes aren't out to get people, they only bite for two reasons - to eat or defend themselves - and we're not seen as food."
The most common snake species on the Mid North Coast are red-bellied black snakes, pythons, marsh snakes, yellow-faced whip snakes and green (and brown) tree snakes.
While some snake experts are predicting a massive increase in sightings this season, Brenton disagrees.
"I'm not convinced we'll have an increase in snake numbers - with the drought, the bushfires, the populations could actually have been severely reduced. It may take four, five, or even ten years to recover, we just don't know yet."
He said that early in the corona lockdown there was an increase in sightings because more people were at home.
"But I don't think the season is going to be as bad as some people think.
"Snakes have not started waking up early or started coming out early, they didn't stop.
"Australian snakes do not hibernate, they brumate, which is similar, but they don't sleep through the winter, they just become less active."
For more reptile advice, check out Brenton Asquith's Facebook page: 'The Reptile Dysfunction.'
