The Department of Conservation is warning the public to keep away from sand dunes at the southern end of Omaha Beach, north of Auckland, after a member of the public spotted a live native yellow bellied sea snake in the location.
The snake was discovered by a member of the public who alerted DOC staff. The person said the snake was alive and sent in a photo for identification.
DOC Senior Ranger Karl Fisher says when rangers arrived at the scene, the yellow-bellied sea snake was dead.
“It’s clear the snake has been bitten by a dog and been hit with something. It’s very rare for these sea snakes to come onto land and it was probably blown in with the strong winds and needed a rest,” he says.
Mr Fisher issued a reminder to the public that it is illegal to kill native species and asked locals to alert DOC instead of taking matters into their own hands.
“I can understand how someone might react if their dog was attacking the snake, but these snakes are venomous and should not be touched or interacted with. It’s important with this wild weather washing up all kinds of sea species and birdlife to be on the lookout especially on beaches like Omaha, and to watch out where your dogs are.”
He says the yellow-bellied snake has been taken to the DOC office in Warkworth and will be examined by staff.
“We’ve been working with Auckland Zoo staff and getting advice from snake experts,” he says.
Yellow-bellied sea snakes are found in waters around New Zealand and throughout the Pacific Ocean but not common on land.
It’s illegal to kill native sea snakes or possess one. The public are encouraged to report all sightings to DOC using the hotline (0800 DOC HOT).
