When you come across a snake while hiking, biking, running, or even just walking, you can go into a panic mode. It is very important to stay calm though. The snake is not going to bite, though it might be surprised by your presence and slither away rather quickly. Their quick movements might startle you, but the snake was just trying to get away. If the snake doesn't move, or threatens to strike (you can tell by them coiling up, raise their head with their neck in an S curve, and opening their mouth. They will seem threatening in general) then back away slowly, while continuing to face the snake. It is important not to run because this may cause prey drive, and if the snake really wanted to, they could easily out slither your run. Most of the time, the snake will slither away, and you won't have to worry about backing away slowly.
