It's a big year for snakes in Australia. In fact, it's always going to be a big year, so homework helps

Hot, dry conditions bring numerous species into contact with people and pets, and not just in the bush. It's good to know which is whichSign up for the Rural Network email newsletterJoin the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the communityThe quickest way to tell the difference between an eastern brown snake and a copperhead is to nearly step on it. If it strikes, it's an eastern brown. If it stays still as you jump back, it's a copperhead.Thankfully, the snake I nearly stood on this week as I walked distractedly through the horse yard was a copperhead. Lowland copperheads are the seventh most venomous snake in Australia, but they are also shy and only bite when severely provoked. They are pretty common here in the Macedon Ranges. This is the second time I've nearly stepped on this particular snake. I also didn't see it when carrying washing out to the line last month. Both times it skedaddled.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...