Stuart Johnson - who operates the Wauchope-based Reptile Solutions - said the common black and brown snakes don't go into a full shutdown hibernation, but rather a 'brumation'.

"We do see a reprieve at this time of the year where they will go quiet, but being in a temperate to sub-tropical environment means they are still about," Stuart told the Macleay Argus.

"When you get a warm sunny day they might come out of their hidey-holes.

"They won't be as active - like in going hunting for food - but they might just sit near the entrance of their spot and absorb the heat."

Given their dark colouration, Stuart said people were more likely to encounter a black snake than a brown in the cooler months.

"They (black snakes) are like a slithering solar panel. Certainly weather circumstances can see snakes turning up unexpectedly - like if we get a heatwave in May or June as we've had in recent years," he said.

Stuart was quick to lampoon the fear that a plethora of holes in the ground of a property might all house snakes.

"Snakes don't make or create holes. A hole is more likely dug by a mouse. If a snake is seen going into a hole it's probably just out to eat the owner, or just to take advantage of a good situation and become the resident," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: