A venomous yellow-bellied sea snake has been discovered washed up on Flat Island, just off the coast of Great Barrier Island, near Port Fitzroy. This marks the third such find in New Zealand within the last two weeks.
According to Department of Conservation (DoC) project manager Sarah Dwyer, a member of the public spotted the dead snake on Saturday morning and immediately reported it.
“Thankfully, the snake was reported immediately to DoC and is now at the DoC office on Aotea. The snake will be sent to Te Papa for their collection,” said Dwyer.
This discovery follows two other recent incidents. A live sea snake found at Omaha Beach, north of Auckland, on April 27, had died by the time DoC rangers arrived—showing signs of injury from a dog bite and blunt force trauma, according to DoC senior ranger Karl Fisher.
“It’s clear the snake has been bitten by a dog and been hit with something,” said DoC senior ranger Karl Fisher.
A third snake was found alive earlier in April near Hokitika on the South Island’s West Coast.
Senior ecologist and herpetologist Dylan van Winkel explained these snakes often wash ashore following heavy storms.
“It is a pelagic species and is a relatively weak swimmer and when not swimming or diving it drifts passively in surface currents and is frequently found associated with drifting weed and debris,” van Winkel said.
Van Winkel also cautioned that while bites are extremely rare, the snake’s venom is “medically significant.”
“You’d be in trouble if you got bitten – but bites are rare. It’s really important that people don’t interfere with any sea snakes that wash ashore or are seen in New Zealand waters.”
Sea snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act of 1953, and it is illegal to possess them, with penalties including imprisonment for up to one year or fines of up to $100,000.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any sightings immediately to DoC via their hotline at 0800 DOC HOT.
