Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has said a venomous snake was spotted near the team’s World Cup training base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, prompting players and staff to take extra precautions.

The incident occurred as Germany prepared for their FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States. Kimmich said the squad had been told the snake was venomous and that anyone bitten would need immediate medical attention.

Speaking to reporters in Winston-Salem, Kimmich said the situation was taken seriously by the team, even though a bite was not expected to be fatal in most cases.

German media reported that the snake was believed to be a copperhead, a venomous species commonly found in parts of North Carolina. Copperhead bites are rarely fatal but can be painful and require prompt treatment.

The German Football Association has not changed the team’s training routine, but players have been advised to remain alert around the camp.

The incident has highlighted an unusual challenge for teams training in different parts of North America during the tournament. Austria, which is also competing at the World Cup, has reportedly restricted cycling at its training camp because of concerns about snakes.

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