Hiker Meredith Langley’s peaceful walk in Jeffries Creek Park, South Carolina, turned terrifying when she spotted a massive brown snake by the creek. Sharing her discovery on Facebook, Langley’s photo of the giant snake, thick as a tree root, shocked users.

“It’s probably swallowed somebody’s child already,” commented one horrified netizen. Many speculated it was a giant cottonmouth, a venomous viper also known as a water moccasin. These snakes, often confused with harmless brown water snakes, are common in the area.

Langley’s warning sparked debates among online users, with some vowing to avoid hiking altogether. The alarming find serves as a reminder for hikers to stay cautious when exploring South Carolina’s trails.