Highly venomous sea snakes left stranded on Western Cape beaches

Rough sea conditions over the last week have brought interesting but dangerous visitors to Plettenberg Bay beaches, including two highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snakes.

Two of these pelagic snakes, which are most commonly found in tropical waters around the world, washed up on Plett beaches over the last week.

Experts have warned beachgoers not to handle these snakes because, while bites are uncommon, they can deliver a highly venomous neurotoxin that can be fatal.

According to the Knysna and Plett Herald, CapeNature senior field marine ranger Chanel Hauvette stated that the two snakes discovered along Plett beaches had been successfully rescued by local snake experts and were currently being stabilised and nurtured back to health in a local aquarium, adding that they would be released back into the wild when sea conditions improved.

Hauvette stated that it was extremely unusual for these snakes to be found along the Garden Route coast, as they are typically found in warmer tropical waters.

According to Hauvette, the rough seas most likely shifted the snakes from warmer currents to colder waters, leaving them hypothermic and causing them to wash up locally.

Yellow-bellied sea snakes can be easily identified due to their distinct characteristics. The upper half of the body is black or dark blue-brown, with a yellowish lower half.

In a facebook post, snake experts and rescuer, Lloyd Mostert, said that when these snakes washed up they were unable to move, but that it was not an invitation to handle them.

‘When stranded they are completely unable to move, so require help, PLEASE do not attempt to handle them; they are highly venomous with no anti-venom.  If you come across one please contact myself on 072 581 0838 or plett Stranding network  079 463 4837.’