Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Dangerous Animal Condition exists when a dangerous animal, such as a venomous snake, stinging bees, an alligator, fire ants or a bear, near the ball could cause serious physical injury if the player had to play it as it lies. Rule 16 allows relief from that interference.
How it matters in match play
The condition is handled under the same Rule 16.2 procedure in match play; it is not a special match-scoring result. If the ball is outside a Penalty Area, the player may use the applicable free-relief procedure for the General Area, Bunker or Putting Green. In a Penalty Area, free relief may be taken inside it, or penalty relief may be taken under Rule 17.1d.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Dangerous Animal Condition |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 16.2a–16.2b |
| Related concepts | Abnormal Course Condition, Free Relief, Penalty Area, Penalty Relief, Relief Area |
Worked example
In an illustrative match, Alex’s ball is in the General Area and a venomous snake nearby could cause serious injury; Alex takes free relief, dropping within one club-length of the Nearest Point of Complete Relief, not nearer the hole, so the hole continues with no penalty stroke.
Rule reference: Rule 16.2a–16.2b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What makes an animal a Dangerous Animal Condition?
The animal must be near the ball and capable of causing serious physical injury if the player had to play the ball as it lies. Rule 16.2a gives examples including venomous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants and bears. A merely unpleasant or distracting animal is not enough on this definition.
Is relief from a Dangerous Animal Condition free?
Usually, yes. Outside a Penalty Area, the player takes free relief under the applicable Rule 16.1 procedure. In a Penalty Area, free relief may be taken inside the area; the player may instead use penalty relief under Rule 17.1d, with a further free-relief option if the animal still interferes after moving outside.
How does it affect a match-play hole?
It does not award or concede the hole. The player follows Rule 16.2, takes the available relief, and continues the hole. The resulting strokes determine the hole as usual, subject to any separate concession or other match-play decision.
Can a cactus be treated as a Dangerous Animal Condition?
No. Rule 16.2a specifically says the rule does not apply to other situations on the course that could cause physical harm, such as a cactus. Any other available relief must be considered under the rule that governs that different condition.
Where is the drop made in the General Area?
The player identifies the Nearest Point of Complete Relief and drops in the one-club-length Relief Area measured from it. The area must be in the General Area, must not be nearer the hole, and the ball must come to rest with complete relief from the dangerous animal condition.
Does the rule require the animal to touch the ball?
No. The animal only needs to be near the ball and create the serious-injury risk described in Rule 16.2a. Physical contact with the ball is not stated as a requirement.