A group of child golfers were confronted by a huge three-metre boa constrictor after a shot landed perfectly on top of the exotic snake.
Within a week of each other, two boa constrictors measuring six feet in length were found at the Blackwell Grange Golf Club thought to be illegally abandoned.
Both South American serpents – nicknamed Mr and Mrs Snakey McSnake Face – were discovered within a week of each other, fuelling worries that more serpents could be lurking around the area.
The first discovery came on June 13 when a 13-year-old girl overshot her tee on the par-4 fifth hole during a coaching session.
Upon searching for her ball in the rough, she encountered the six-foot reptile nestled beside it.
Reptile specialists suspect the boas were previously kept as pets before being released at the course, which is a criminal offence under UK law.
The discovery has left golfers at the club uneasy, particularly around the fifth hole where both snakes were located just six metres apart.
Aaron Cox, an Australian PGA professional who conducts training at the club, secured the snake in a cardboard box alongside fellow coach Peter Raine before transporting it to a specialist pet shop.
A 13-year-old girl received a scaly shock when she went looking for a golf ball
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BLACKWELL GRANGE GOLF CLUB/FACEBOOK
“At golf clubs back in Australia we’d have signs warning golfers about snake areas,” Mr Cox said.
“I never thought I’d be talking about needing those signs in County Durham.”
And just six days later, on June 19, a staff member spotted the second boa just metres from the original location.
Mr Cox described this snake as far more aggressive, hissing and striking at him while he attempted to contain it, ultimately requiring him to handle it directly rather than using a golf club.
The golf club has since confirmed the pair of serpents have died due to being in an alien environment for an extended period of time.
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The reptiles could survive on local wildlife including rabbits, birds and rats
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BLACKWELL GRANGE GOLF CLUB/FACEBOOK
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, explained the presence of two snakes strongly suggests deliberate abandonment rather than an escape.
“With two, unfortunately, that does sound like somebody’s been totally irresponsible and just dumped them,” he said.
“I think we need to make it absolutely clear it is totally illegal to release snakes like this, or it’s totally illegal to release any non-native animal.”
Mr Newman warned that additional boas could potentially be found, noting it was “not beyond the realm of possibility” that either snake may have given birth.
The reptiles could survive on local wildlife, including rabbits, birds and rats until autumn temperatures drop.
However, Mr Newman warned colder nights later in the year would be fatal for the tropical species.
The non-venomous constrictors pose no threat to humans or pets, as they target only smaller prey, although the public has been advised to steer clear if they spot one in the wild.
Mr Newman urged anyone spotting a boa in the area to photograph it, contact the NCRW and await collection by a volunteer rather than attempting to handle the animal themselves.
Mr Cox said: “I know snakes aren’t everyone’s favourite animal, but if these are pets then you can’t just dump them. Whatever the reason is, it’s awful.”
The RSPCA has appealed for anyone with information about the abandonment to come forward, and recommends contacting their helpline on 0300 1234 999 for advice on exotic snake sightings.