It was almost like it popped up from no where. I just happened to look down while I was stepping off a curb and my foot was right above it. So I did that little hop you do to keep from stepping on something and one big step to get away. Once I was far enough away, I chacked him out a little. They can only stike the length of their body, as with most snakes. So I was able to get a good look at him.