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Athletes competing at the Olympics this month may need to be snappier than usual as they will have alligators, capybaras and other wildlife for company.

The problem could be particularly bad for golfers.

Rory McIlroy is one of a host of names to pull out of the Games – citing the Zika virus as the key reason.

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But there could be other, more ominous reasons for their reluctance to compete.

The new Olympic golf course has been built in a spectacular area surrounded by lagoons.

But it's also home to several species of wild animals – including alligators.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

Organisers aren't taking the problem lightly.

At least five biologists will be on hand at all times in case the reptiles need to be moved away from players or spectators.

And there will be warning signs across the Olympic park to alert people about the nearby wildlife.

Golf is returning to the Olympics after a 112-year absence from the Games.

This year's course was built a few miles from the neighbourhood of Jacarepegua – meaning "Alligator Lagoon".

Rivers in local parks are filled with alligators while capybaras – the world's largest rodents – are also commonly sighted.