Orange-based catcher Jake Hansen has already caught 70 this snake season – which started in late September – compared with 60 last year.

The cause of the increase was likely a combination of factors.

“Their space is being encroached through construction activities,” Mr Hansen said.

“Drought also has resulted in snakes moving closer to the source of water and food in residential areas.

“Snakes are also more visible due to the reduced grass.”

He said the volume of calls he received tended to spike over the Christmas-New Year period because more people were at home.

“People being home are more likely to see snakes around their property,” he said.

Mr Hansen asked people to use common sense and practice caution if they spot a snake, adding pets are more vulnerable to snake bites as they actively chase and attack.

“Don’t allow pets to freely roam around or let them walk in long grass,” he said. 

“People can also snake-proof their yards by using a snake mesh, keeping grass short and disposing of leftover foods.”

Jenna McAtamney, a vet nurse at Mulberry Lane Vet Hospital, said the hospital has been getting one to two cases of snake-bitten pets a week.

“Pet owners are advised to keep their pets on a leash when they are walking them in parks or grass areas,” Ms Mcatamney said.

She said cats are more tolerant to snake venom than dogs. 

“The most important thing is timely treatment,” she said.

“Chances of survival are higher when the pets are treated on time.”

Mr Hansen is one of only two licensed snake-catchers in the Central West. He offers his services to residents in the Orange, Bathurst, Blayney and Cabonne council areas.

He can be reached on 0414 945 124 if you need assistance in removing a snake from your property.