Reptile Rescue snake handler Judith Martin, who is based in Telarah, said calls had come in spurts since the breeding season began at the end of August.

“One day we’ll get three or four calls, the next day nothing,” she said.

Ms Martin said she had caught six snakes so far this season, which were all released back into the wild.

Fellow local snake catcher Justin Lantry of Bill's Snake Relocate said he had received two or three call outs per day in the same period. 

Mr Lantry said the common sightings were of eastern browns and red-bellied black snakes, while Ms Martin reported a prevalence of yellow-faced whip snakes this year.

Both encouraged residents and businesses to keep their yards clean to deter snakes.

An brown snake was spotted outside the Maitland Mercury office on several days last week, but has not yet been caught.

Have you spotted a snake in your area? Email your pics to sage.swinton@fairfaxmedia.com.au.