Rare Venomous Sea Snake Washes Ashore on Southern California Beach

Details of the Crystal Cove Sea Snake Sighting

The reptile was filmed at night on a beach in Crystal Cove, according to CBS Los Angeles. Cellphone camera footage captured an individual attempting to use the base of a palm frond to nudge the creature back into the ocean. Greg Pauly, a reptile expert with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, noted that seeing the species this far north is rare. There have been six confirmed sightings in California since 1972, including two previous Orange County occurrences in January and November of 2018. Pauly stated that the timing makes this recent observation particularly unusual due to how early in the year it occurred, noting that past strandings typically happened when dropping water temperatures left the snakes sick and lethargic. Pauly is attempting to contact the witnesses to obtain more video and verify the encounter.

Connection to Warm Ocean Waters and Other Marine Anomalies

Hayley Crowell, a snake expert at San Diego State University, attributed the possible sighting to the warm ocean water recorded this summer. The serpents hunt fish in open water and easily get caught in currents. When blown off course, they may not realize they are far from home if local water temperatures remain within their comfort zone. “They’re kind of like floating noodles who got lost,” Crowell said. Several other uncommon marine animals have wandered into California waters recently. Fishermen recorded a hammerhead shark off the Malibu Pier last month and another off Laguna Beach this month, according to the Orange County Register. A whale shark was spotted between Malibu and Santa Barbara Island earlier this month. Additionally, the Natural History Museum announced that a longfinned bigeye fish, normally found from Baja California to Peru, was caught off the Venice Fishing Pier.

Behavior and Safety Guidelines for Sea Snakes

Yellow-bellied sea snakes feature a distinctive yellow underside that contrasts with a darker top half. Because they are completely adapted to ocean life, they are helpless and virtually unable to move when stranded on land. They use potent venom strictly to kill prey and do not consider humans as food. “You have to do a lot to get bit by one,” Crowell said. “If you’re not handling them, you’re fine,” Crowell said. Commenting on the video footage, Crowell called it heartening to see someone trying to help, but recommended calling wildlife officials instead. “I definitely wouldn’t recommend messing with one if you don’t know what you’re messing with,” Crowell said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are yellow-bellied sea snakes dangerous to humans?

They possess potent venom used for hunting prey, but experts state they are not considered dangerous to people because humans do not resemble their food. A person must handle or actively bother the snake to risk a bite.

Why do sea snakes wash ashore in California?

Experts explain that the snakes hunt in open water and can get caught in currents. Warm summer ocean currents can carry them far off course while keeping water temperatures within their comfort zone, leading them into unfamiliar northern waters.

What should you do if you find a sea snake on the beach?

Experts advise against handling or interacting with the animal. Because they are fully aquatic, they are helpless on land, and observers should contact local wildlife officials for assistance.