What should you do if you see a snake?

I suggest backing away slowly if you are not within striking range. If you have inadvertently stepped within striking range, I hop back may be in order.

whoever said bash it on the head is a freak. snakes don't bite people because they want to or chase people down because they wouldn't be able to eat you so it kind of pointless to chase you down and i doubt even the fastest species of snakes could chase you down, if it is venomous then just stop and walk away and if its not venomous do the same thing. Bashing it is cruel and stupid and if you do that you are more likely to get bit. snakes just want to be left alone so its best if you give them there space.

OKay so if you are walking or in one place and a snake is a small distance of space heres what you do:
1) Do not try to hurt it, whack it away or try to scare it away.
2) Do not make any fast motions, and dont run!
3) Steadily move away from the snake, showing no fear, or no expression.
4) Dont laugh or make any vibration because they pick this up in their body and feel threatened so they will strike.
5) Just slowly move away as i said and youll be safe.

If you don't know what kind of snake it is, just stop, and slowly back away and leave it alone. If you spend lots of time in the woods, it would be a good idea to study up on snakes a little. At least enough to know which ones are poisonous and which ones are agressive. Then you will know which ones to REALLY avoid and which ones aren't so bad. Most snakes are scared of you just like you are of them, but their brains don't think like ours do. They are constantly in the "Fight or Flight" mode. If you get too close or startle them, they will bite.

I just reach down quickly, grab the critter behind the head and stuff it in a bag. I then take it to a remote spot away from playgrounds and let it go. I've done that for over forty years. Snakes can be alarming, but they've every right to live as you and I have.

just stand still let it pass

What's with all this "back away slowly" crap people are posting? How ignorant!
If you encounter a venomous snake, get away from it-QUICKLY! Do not attempt to kill or catch it, that is how bites occur.

If it is non-venomous, why do anything at all? Just go about your business, and let the snake do the same.

Panic like crazy!!!

Grab the snake by its ears.

Depends on the type of snake. If it's a rattle snake, bash it's head. If it's a gardner snake, run. Never stand still, unless you want it to slither up your leg. Run only if it's a slow snake. If it's deadly, bash it.