Information courtesy of Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office.
A yellow-bellied sea snake, Pelamis platurus, highly uncommon in California, was found in the high tide line at Silverstrand Beach in Ventura County today by local surfer Bob Forbes. This is the first known report of the species in Ventura County, and, the northernmost record of the species along the Pacific coast of North America! Warmer ocean waters along the southern and central California coast due to El Niño conditions may explain the sea snake’s presence this far north.
“The species is entirely aquatic. Seeing a yellow-bellied sea snake wash ashore indicates that animal is most likely ill or injured,” said Greg Pauly, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County herpetologist.
Yellow-bellied sea snakes are venomous, but bites to humans are incredibly rare and usually the result of people trying to handle the snakes. Wildlife experts strongly discourage beachgoers from approaching or handling any wildlife found in the ocean or on shore.
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The surfer recognized the snake as a yellow-bellied sea snake in distress, was aware that it was venomous, and quickly contacted local wildlife experts. Sadly, the animal died naturally shortly after being transported to our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Ventura. The animal will be taken to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County to be preserved and made available for future research to help scientists and conservationists better understand the impacts of El Niño conditions on ocean life.
