While hiking through Jeffries Creek Park in Florence, South Carolina, Meredith Langley experienced an unexpected encounter with a massive snake camouflaged along the creek’s edge. The snake, several feet long and thicker than a tree root, was basking in the sun, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Langley shared her experience and photos on Facebook, aiming to caution fellow hikers about the hidden dangers on trails.

Langley described the snake as approximately four to five feet in length and noted its calm demeanor. “It watched me with stillness and reserve, and without aggression or fear,” she wrote. Emphasizing respect for wildlife, she added, “That area is its home, not ours, and my children and I maintain that respect and reverence anytime we are out in nature.”​

The online community reacted with a mix of awe and apprehension. Comments ranged from humorous to alarmed, with one user joking, “He’s probably swallowed somebody’s child already,” while another exclaimed, “What a beast!” Some speculated the snake was a venomous cottonmouth, common in the region.​

However, experts clarified the snake’s identity. Sean Foley, curator of herpetology at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, identified it as a harmless brown water snake. Despite their intimidating appearance, these snakes are non-venomous and often mistaken for their venomous counterparts. Foley explained that when threatened, water snakes may exhibit behaviors like flattening their heads and shaking their tails to appear more dangerous, a defense mechanism to deter predators.​

Langley’s encounter serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness and respect for wildlife while enjoying nature. Her experience underscores the need for hikers to stay vigilant and informed about the creatures that inhabit natural trails.