It's not yet 10am and snake catcher Harley Jones has already fielded three calls from Sydneysiders keen to have unwanted serpents removed.
It will be another busy day for the Snakes In The City handler, with Mr Jones bagging a diamond python, a tree snake, an eastern brown, a golden crown and two red-bellied black snakes from West Lindfield to St Leonards and Pymble.
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Snake breeding season slithers into Sydney
Spring keeps Snakes In The City catcher Harley Jones busy across Sydney.
"There's definitely more this year than last year," Mr Jones said, adding that in his job, "You have to have the personality of running towards the fire."
There are signs the state's record winter rainfall – places like Chatswood were the wettest since 1952 – is triggering ideal conditions for a wildlife boom as temperatures start to climb.
Since September, the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) has registered almost 2000 calls for help with snakes, turtles, lizards and other reptiles even before the summer high season arrives.
The tally for the six months to February's end of 5370 calls is likely to be easily topped this year.
"Many people say there's a boom – that they're seeing a lot of snakes," said Martyn Robinson, a naturalist who recently retired from the Australian Museum.
Wet conditions certainly support a jump in populations of snakes such red-bellied blacks and tigers, which can feast on the suddenly more abundant frogs and other prey.
However, for species such as eastern browns – the world's second most-venomous – flooded areas aren't good for them nor their prey such as mice, Dr Robinson said.
That means browns may move – surprising people into thinking there's been a rise in numbers – as they seek out drier and warmer places.
Rising temperatures with spring's advance means snakes are becoming more active as they end their brumation, a type of hibernation by cold-blooded creatures during the cool months.
Mr Jones says back rooms with exits on to the garden and good sun are a favourite snake haunt, with children's toys "offering lots of places to hide in".
Gary Pattinson, a volunteer WIRES snake rescuer in north Sydney, said people should treat snakes with care – especially browns and tigers – mostly be steering clear.
"There's no reason for a snake to bite a person unless it's in a defensive move," said Mr Pattinson, an electrician by trade, who has gathered thousands of snakes since arriving from England 16 years ago. "Don't try to handle them, and definitely don't try to kill them."
Despite the hype, Australian snakes are about deadly for humans as sharks – killing an average of about two people a year.
People who live near snake habitat shouldn't think that killing the one they find is the end of the story.
"They are very, very good at hiding, which makes them one of the most successful animals on earth," Mr Pattinson said. "There's not only going to be one."
People should try to avoid creating "little snake havens" under and around homes – such as hoarding old tiles, boxes or plant pots – and keeping lawns mown, Mr Pattinson said.
"Common sense is not a flower that grows in every garden," Mr Pattinson said.
Snakes caught by rescuers typically get released into similar habitat nearby, as required by law, both handlers say.