We’ve heard of hazards on the golf course – but this one will take some beating.
Golfers at the stunning Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club on the New South Wales Central Coast got more than they bargained for recently when a huge snake – later identified by experts at a huge eastern brown – slithered its way across the fairways, momentarily halting play and sending a few heart rates through the roof.
Described as “an absolute monster”, the snake was spotted cruising along the short grass in broad daylight, completely unbothered by its gallery of stunned onlookers.
A video of the slippery visitor was posted to the Snake Identification Australia group by Peter Jones where it was identified as an eastern brown. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15mmYzviZj
Eastern brown snakes are among the world’s most venomous – second only to the inland taipan – and are native to the region. Despite their reputation, they’re generally shy and prefer to avoid humans… though that doesn’t make the sight of one on your approach shot any less terrifying.
“Snakes don’t pose a risk to humans unless the snake feels threatened by the human, so if anyone sees a snake, the best thing to do is keep a safe distance and give it the respect it deserves,” says expert snake catcher Stuart McKenzie of “Aussie Snake Wranglers” fame.
“Golfers aren’t necessarily at a high risk or in any danger of being bitten by snakes, but courses do provide the perfect environment for these animals and sightings are going to be inevitable,” adds McKenzie.
Austin Pols from Sydney Snakes and Wildlife Removal told news.com.au that they had never caught a brown snake of that size.
“It looks to be nearly three meters. Usually they only grow to two meters in length with a 1.5 metre average. Anything larger is spectacular,” he said.
“It seems to be very well fed and survived many seasons.”
Yep, well, we’re picking up and moving to the next hole, thanks!
