Wombat-like rodents roam Rio golf fairways

Forget about the Zika virus, the biggest disruption to the Olympic Games golf competition could be rogue, unusual wildlife.

As golfers from around the world hit the fairways ahead of the tournament start on Thursday, they've been confronted with some slightly out-of-the-box local animals.

Australia's team captain Ian Baker-Finch came face to face with the world's largest rodent, which resembles a taller, more athletic wombat.

Native to Brazil, the semi-aquatic capybara can grow to 1.3m in length and weigh more than 70kgs.

Baker-Finch posted a photo of one lounging on sand, joking on Twitter with assistant coach Brad James that the pair had been chased by the animal.

The capybara is not the only native fauna turning heads.

Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger tweeted he'd spotted three owls and a solitary cayman during a practice hit.

He even posted a picture of a small alligator submerged in water near the course.

Golf's return to the Games after a 112-year absence has been tarnished by the withdrawal of a host of big names, including Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott.

Many athletes cited concerns over the Zika virus, worried about contact with mosquitoes at the Olympic course which was built on a nature reserve.

It appears those competing can add a few other creatures to the list.