GOLFERS at a Borders course have a new handicap to overcome, thanks to the warmest weather for years.
More than 30 adders have been spotted by members of Galashiels Golf Club at their course on Ladhope Hill.
Experts believe the hottest May on record has tempted the snakes out into the open.
Bill Jeffrey, 48, who lives nearby, said: "Over the
past week or so I have seen over 30 adders when I have been out with my dog at the golf course.
"People should be on the lookout for them and stick to the paths. The adders do try to get out of the way, but they can bite if a dog sniffs or corners them."
One club member said: "There are a lot of them. I've seen the odd one here and there over the years but at the moment it's getting to the point where they are just sitting there on the greens.
"A snake staring you out when you're lining a putt up is the last thing you need to boost your handicap."
The third hole seems to be a favourite spot, says greenkeeper Colin Findlay.
Mr Findlay, who is barred from driving the snakes away by strict wildlife laws, said: "Whenever the weather is good they come out and bask on the greens and stony areas around the course.
"I've never heard of anyone being bitten by an adder, although a couple of dogs have been killed over the past few years."
Colin Seddon, manager at the wildlife rescue centre run by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Dunfermline, said golf courses were ideal habitat for adders.
He told The Scotsman: "Most golf courses are built on sandy soil and heathland and are home to the sort of bugs, snails and insects that adders like to eat.
"I am not surprised that more are being spotted, as last year was good for breeding and we have had a relatively mild winter, so probably a lot more adders will have survived hibernation.
"We keep getting these hot spells so it helps them warm up."
He said people should not be too scared of adders if they see them on the greens.
"I would stress that even though they are poisonous the best thing you can do is make a noise and they will just slither away."
Last week, Gloria Cunningham, 60, was bitten by an adder near Saddell, Argyll, while walking her dog.
Scottish Natural Heritage advised walkers and golfers to steer clear of adders.
The body said the fact that May was so warm was likely to have contributed to the increase in adders.
PROFILE• Adders are Britain's only venomous snake.
• They have dark zigzag lines down their backs or a straight brown stripe with dark spots on either side.
• They can grow up to three feet long.
• Adders eat small mammals, young birds and frogs.
• It is illegal to kill or harm adders under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• They are not normally aggressive but can attack if threatened.
