While enjoying a serene hike in Jeffries Creek Park, South Carolina, Meredith Langley came across an unexpected sight: a colossal snake slithering near the creek. Langley was quite concerned when he saw the creature’s immense size and ability to blend in, so he decided to share a photo on Facebook as a cautionary message to other hikers.

A snake, long and thick, caught Langley off guard as it soaked up the sun, perfectly blending in with its environment. Langley stressed the need for carefulness while on trails, particularly when it comes to children.

Langley’s encounter left online users stunned and amazed. Opinions were divided when it came to the snake’s appearance – some were filled with fear, while others were in awe of its impressive size, likening it to a creature straight out of the Amazon jungle. There was a lot of speculation about the snake’s species, with some people confusing it with a highly venomous cottonmouth.

Nevertheless, Sean Foley, a curator specializing in herpetology, explained that the snake was probably a harmless water snake, despite its intimidating appearance. Foley suggested steering clear of snakes entirely and admiring them from afar.

Langley ended her post by advising people to avoid snakes whenever they can. Regardless of their size or level of danger, it’s important to appreciate these creatures from a distance in order to have a safe hiking experience.