A rare sight stunned beachgoers at Omaha Beach, north of Auckland, when a live native yellow-bellied sea snake was discovered near the sand dunes earlier this week.
Department of Conservation (DOC) senior ranger Karl Fisher said a member of the public had emailed in a photo of the strange visitor, which was quickly identified as a yellow-bellied sea snake — a rare and venomous species that usually stays far offshore.
By the time DOC rangers arrived, however, the snake had sadly died.
“It’s clear the snake had been bitten by a dog and struck with something,” Fisher said. “These snakes very rarely come ashore, and it was probably blown in by the strong winds we’ve been having. It likely just needed a place to rest.”
Fisher urged the public to stay calm if they come across wildlife, and to contact DOC rather than taking matters into their own hands — especially when it comes to protected native species.
“I completely understand that if a dog encounters a snake, instinct might take over,” he said. “But these snakes are highly venomous and should never be touched or harmed. It’s illegal to kill native species, and we ask people to keep their distance and call DOC immediately.”
With recent wild weather stirring up the coastline, Fisher said it’s a good time for beachgoers — especially dog owners — to stay alert for unusual sea creatures and seabirds that may wash ashore.
The dead snake has been taken to the DOC office in Warkworth, where it’s being examined with input from Auckland Zoo staff and marine experts.
While yellow-bellied sea snakes are native to waters around New Zealand and the wider Pacific Ocean, they live their entire lives at sea and almost never come ashore. According to the DOC website, around 6 to 10 sightings are reported each year, mainly around the northeast coast of the North Island — though they’ve been spotted as far south as Cook Strait.
Sadly, when these snakes wash up, they’re usually already very weak, dying, or dead.
Fisher’s final message to the public was simple: “If you spot something unusual on the beach, admire it from a safe distance — and give us a call. Our wildlife needs our respect and protection.”
