While there hasn’t been a major increase in sightings (the squad attends up to 300 snake callouts every summer), the squad’s ability to find and relocate the reptiles has improved.

“We have had a higher success rate in relocating them this year as people have done the right thing by keeping constant visual contact with the snake until we arrive,” squad spokesperson James Harris said.

“This makes it so much easier for us to catch them.”

The squad received its first snake sighting call for the season at a Bellbird residential property on September 8.

This summer’s calls have come from all over the Cessnock local government area including Wollombi, Congewai, Sawyers Gully, and plenty in toward the centre of town.

One of the most unusual incidents members attended was on December 21, when an eastern brown snake was found caught in a curtain at a Sawyers Gully property.

“We cut a section of the curtain off and returned back to our base to begin the delicate task of cutting the reptile free,” Mr Harris said.

“It took about 20 minutes to untangle the snake from the curtain.”

Once the slithery visitor is caught, the rescue squad’s trained volunteers relocate the snakes into bushland where they are set free.

Or, if the snake looks injured or unwell, the squad will hand it over to the Native Animal Trust Fund.

Mr Harris said there are actions local residents can take to reduce the risk of snakes entering their property.

“If you want to try and keep snakes at bay, keep your lawns mowed and don’t have piles of debris, branches and other matter lying around in the yard,” he said.

“If you are somewhere where you may think you will encounter a snake where long pants and fully enclosed footwear.”

Mr Harris said people should treat all snakes as though they are venomous – don’t judge a snake by its colour.

“If you do happen to come across a snake just stand still, don’t make any sudden moves and slowly move away from the snake.”

Call the rescue squad on 4991 2444, as soon as possible, if you require assistance.