Beachgoers in Plettenberg Bay have been advised to steer clear of any sea snakes that might wash ashore, following recent warnings from local authorities.
Also read: Highly venomous sea snakes left stranded on Western Cape beaches
According to the George Herald, authorities have issued a renewed warning to beachgoers to avoid any sea snakes found on local shores.
This follows the recent appearance of a highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake at Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout Beach over the past week.
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Though it’s uncommon for these sea snakes to appear on local beaches – given their usual habitat in warmer tropical waters – the rough seas are likely responsible for their presence along the Garden Route.
CapeNature senior field marine ranger Chanel Hauvette explained that rough seas likely push the snakes from their warmer, tropical currents into colder waters, causing them to become hypothermic.
This condition then leads to their unfortunate stranding along local beaches.
Experts have cautioned beachgoers and the public against handling these pelagic snakes.
While bites are uncommon, they can deliver a potent neurotoxin that is potentially fatal.
Local snake expert Lloyd Mostert emphasised that although the snakes may appear immobile when washed ashore, it is not safe to handle them.
‘They are highly venomous, with no anti-venom (in South Africa),’ Mostert said.
He advised anyone who came across a snake on the beach to contact the Plett Stranding Network hotline at 079 463 4837.
Live sea snakes that wash up will be rehabilitated and released under better conditions.
Over the past month, rough seas have caused these snakes to appear on Garden Route and Eastern Cape beaches.
Yellow-bellied sea snakes are identifiable by their black or dark blue-brown upper body and yellowish lower half.
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Picture: African Reptiles & Venom