Experts are warning people across the state to be on the lookout for snakes, with recent wet and warm weather bringing them out earlier than usual.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Australian Reptile Park says NSW has seen an early increase in snake sightings as temperatures begin to rise along the east coast.
"It is out-of-the-ordinary to see snakes this early," head of reptiles Daniel Rumsey said in a statement on Tuesday.
"As we go into spring, it's the season to brush up on your snakebite first aid knowledge and ensure all Australians are doing what they can to coexist with our slithery friends."
About 3000 people are bitten by snakes every year, with about 300 of them receiving antivenom and one or two bites, on average, proving fatal, the park says.
Depending on the type of snake, a bite can destroy blood cells, cause blood clots or cause excessive bleeding.
If untreated immediately, a person can die within 30 minutes depending on the amount of venom injected and the species of snake.
Mr Ramsey said bite victims must be kept calm and still, and have their whole injured limb pressure-bandaged.
He also recommends keeping backyard grass short, and avoiding piling up sticks and rubbish, especially items like tin sheets, which draw in heat.
"These areas provide a safe-house for snakes as they sit in stealth mode awaiting prey to feed, and if startled they will defend through biting."
AAP
