Still, it pays to be aware, and local WIRES snake catcher Rick Anable is putting the word out in the Goulburn community that people should be on the lookout for snakes as the weather heats up.

“They’re already on the move”, he told the Post.

“They’re already coming out of hibernation, and they’re on the move right now. People need to be cautious,” he said.

New residential developments being built in prime tiger snake country were driving a lot of snakes out of their traditional scrubby habitat and into more suburban areas, Mr Anable said. Marys Mount Road, Wollondilly Gardens, Warrigal Care and around Marsden Weir were all hotspots turning up a lot of snakes, mostly tigers, but some red-bellied blacks and juvenile brown snakes as well.

If you see a snake in a residential area, the advice from WIRES is to keep a safe distance and put in a call to the WIRES office for someone to come and collect it.

“If you see a snake around your house, keep an eye on it and get your kids and your pets inside,” Mr Anable said.

“Give us a call and we’ll come and pick it up, but try and keep an eye on it whatever you do. As soon as take your eye off them they up and disappear,” he said.

He also advised people to keep their doors closed at night heading into summer time as this is the time tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes are on the hunt for food.

“The temperature is only heading upwards from here, so snakes are a real hazard that people need to be aware of,” Mr Anable said.

WIRES can be contacted on 4822 3888.