Live Sea Snake Spotted on Ōhope Beach

Department of Conservation were called to Ōhope Beach this morning after reports of a live snake sighting.

Ranger and Project Lead Biodiversity Pearson Tukua said staff identified the snake as a yellow-bellied sea snake.

He said these snakes have been known to appear along the coast occaisionally.

"Staff removed the snake from the beach, and it later died," he said.

Marine Senior Science Advisor Karen Middlemiss said "Sea snakes and kraits are occasional visitors to New Zealand waters, often driven to our coastlines by weather events."

She said "yellow-bellied sea snakes are not naturally found on land, so finding one on a beach is a sign it is unwell."

Typically snakes washed ashore are suffering from hypothermia due to New Zealands' colder water temperatures.

She said all sea snakes spend their lives at sea and are highly venomous "but generally docile unless provoked to defend themselves."

There is no record of anyone in New Zealand being bitten by a sea snake or krait.

She urges anyone who finds a seasnake to keep away from the animal and contact 0800 DOC HOT immediately so staff can assist. 

She said it is illegal to kill or harass them, or possess all or any part of one without a permit.