A six-foot snake was discovered for the second time at a golf course in the UK, raising concerns that an exotic pet owner might be abandoning their reptiles with the possibility of more snakes hidden in the grass. The dangerous reptile was found in tall grass near the fifth hole at Blackwell Grange Golf Club in Darlington, County Durham, last Friday. This incident occurred just a week after another six-foot boa constrictor was found approximately 20 yards away in the same area of the course.
Unlike the first snake, which was safely guided into a cardboard box by staff, the latest reptile displayed aggressive behavior, swiping at staff attempting to catch it. PGA professional Aaron Cox, originally from Brisbane, Australia, was surprised to hear about the second snake sighting while teaching a junior golf session. He mentioned having previous encounters with dangerous snakes in Australia and never expected to encounter such situations in County Durham.
Describing the recent encounter, Aaron stated that the snake appeared larger and thicker than the previous one, estimating its length to be at least six feet. Despite the challenges faced in capturing the snake, Aaron successfully placed it in a box for safety. The discovery of the second snake followed a previous incident where a 12-year-old golfer stumbled upon a snake while retrieving her ball during a junior session.
Aaron and head professional Peter Raine collaborated to secure the first snake before transferring it to a specialized pet shop where it was confirmed to be safe and healthy. Boa constrictors, known for their non-venomous nature, use constriction to subdue prey before consuming them whole, including animals as large as pigs and deer.
The presence of non-native snakes in the UK, typically found in tropical regions of the Americas, has puzzled golf club officials due to their proximity to the course boundary. Concerns have been raised regarding animal welfare and the possible dumping of pet snakes in the area. Despite these incidents, golf activities at the course have continued unaffected, although vigilance around the fifth hole has increased. Plans to involve the local council in further searches if additional snakes are found in the same area have been discussed.
