Jogger encounters 'mating ball' of slithering snakes

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- One woman's morning run took an unexpected twist when she encountered a large ball of slithering snakes in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"I saw what I thought was one big snake, and I looked down and I saw probably 10 to 20 different snakes," Christine Proffitt said of the encounter.

While the serpentine blob might look like something out of a horror movie, wildlife experts said it's not out of the ordinary. The snakes had likely just emerged from winter hibernation and were in a mating ball.

As for Proffitt, she said the bizarre encounter won't keep her off of the jogging trail.

"I don't like snakes. I'm terrified of them, but it still hasn't deterred me from going," she added.

Editorial Note: The woman who claimed to have taken the photo has admitted she was sent the picture from a friend, Jessica Jackson. We have posted an updated story here.