A highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake washed ashore alive on Ōhope Beach in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Department of Conservation, also known as DOC, shared the news on social media today. The snake is a protected species in New Zealand.
DOC said these sea snakes normally live far out at sea. When they wash up on beaches, it often means they are unwell, usually because of the cold. Although they are highly venomous, DOC said they are usually calm and are not a risk unless someone handles them.
Yellow-bellied sea snakes usually live in warmer tropical waters north of New Zealand. DOC marine science adviser Karen Middlemiss said stormy weather can push ocean currents south, carrying the snakes into colder New Zealand waters. She said the snakes usually do not survive for long after reaching New Zealand because the water is too cold.
DOC said there is no record of this protected species biting anyone in New Zealand.
