A hiker recently had a heart-pounding encounter with an enormous snake at Florence’s Jeffries Creek Park, a moment that might have made even Indiana Jones think twice. Sharing her adventure with the South Carolina Hiking club on Facebook, Meredith Langley marveled at the snake’s uncanny ability to blend seamlessly into its natural habitat.

In her Facebook post, Langley remarked, “This was a good teaching opportunity and example for my own kids who forget not to run ahead of me on trails!”

Identified by Greg Lucas, a biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the snake turned out to be a non-lethal brown water snake (Nerodia genus). Lucas explained that water snakes can appear larger than their actual size due to their thick, muscular bodies and typically reach a length of 30 to 60 inches.

Langley, no stranger to snakes during her weekly hikes, noted the presence of copperhead snakes, water snakes, and water moccasins in the area. The snake she encountered, by her estimation, was at least four feet long when fully extended.

What struck Langley the most was the snake’s calm demeanor. She described it as “wholly unafraid of us,” explaining that it watched her with “stillness and reserve, and without aggression or fear.” She interpreted this behavior as the snake’s confidence in its ability to defend itself if necessary, but without expending energy unnecessarily.

In the end, Langley expressed her gratitude for the remarkable encounter and left the snake to its natural habitat. She emphasized the importance of respecting and revering the wildlife that inhabits these areas, teaching her children the same valuable lesson.