FIRST came winter bushfires at Belmont, and then the 30-degree forecast for later this week.
Now, experts warn that snakes are more active in the Hunter than usual for this time of year.
The Australian Reptile Park has warned snakes are more prevalent than usual for this time of year, urging people to take care after recent rain and warm weather.
"It is out of the ordinary to see snakes this early," head of reptiles Daniel Rumsey said.
"As we go into spring, it's the season to brush up on your snake bite first aid knowledge and ensure all Australians are doing what they can to coexist with our slithery friends.
"Snakes don't go out to harm humans, but if you get in their path or startle them, they will bite, and it can be fatal."
Cessnock District Rescue Squad also warned the reptiles would become more active, urging people in the area to call in their trained snake handlers.
They asked that people do not try to kill or handle the snake but maintain visual contact and tell handlers when it was last seen.
"We have had instances where we have been called to look for a snake only to find out that the person had not seen the snake for a day," the group said on social media.
"Over the season we can be called to 300+ relocations , so the more accurate information we have the better success rate we have."
Mr Rumsey urged householders to keep grass mowed around houses, avoid piling up leftover wood or sticks and avoid piling up tin sheets or other items that could heat up and offer snakes a habitat.
Anyone bitten should remain calm and immobile and apply a pressure-immobilisation bandage to the entire limb. They should also call an ambulance or go to hospital immediately.
"By applying the pressure-immobilisation bandage, venom cannot easily spread through the body, slowing down the envenomation process by giving more time for the bite victim to seek antivenom at hospital," Rumsey said.
