Norway stars including Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard have been warned to be cautious of potentially dangerous snakes while staying at the Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro during the World Cup.

Several members of the Norwegian squad have planned to spend their downtime playing golf between training sessions and matches as a way to relax during the tournament.

However, local guidance for the Greensboro area advises golfers to remain alert, particularly when searching for balls in long grass where snakes may be present.

According to information published by the city, copperhead snakes are among the reptiles most commonly encountered in the region. Residents and visitors are advised not to approach, handle or disturb the snakes if spotted.

The warning states that copperheads are widespread across parts of the eastern and southeastern United States and can frequently be found in the Greensboro area.

Norway midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt admitted he was less than thrilled to hear about the possibility of encountering the reptiles while spending time on the golf course.

“I was not happy to hear this,” Thorstvedt said, acknowledging that players intending to play golf during the tournament will need to stay alert and avoid disturbing any snakes they may come across.

Biologist Falyn Owens of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has reassured Norway’s World Cup players that the snakes in the region, including copperheads, are not naturally aggressive but may bite if threatened.

Speaking to NRK.no, Owens explained that copperhead snakes will typically only strike in self-defence if they are stepped on or feel cornered.

She urged players from the Norwegian squad to remain extra cautious, particularly when their golf balls land in long grass, where snakes can be harder to see.

“When you walk through areas of vegetation, pay attention to where you step or stretch your arms, and give any snake you meet plenty of space,” she said, adding that while encounters are not frequent, they do occur.

Owens also noted that the state of North Carolina is home to around 40 different snake species. Most are non-venomous, with the copperhead being the only venomous snake commonly found in the Greensboro area.