Beaches hold many surprises especially when it comes to what the water brings and leaves on the sand and it looks like venomous sea snakes keep washing up on California shore.
- The yellow-bellied sea snakes are venomous
- The snake was about 20 inches long
- The yellow-bellied snake lives in warm waters in the tropical Pacific
The last snake washed up on the shore a few days ago and it was about 20 inches long. This is the third snake that washed ashore in the last months. What is more peculiar about it is that these snakes, the yellow-bellied sea snakes are actually very uncommon in California.
Unfortunately, although the people who found the snakes quickly alerted the lifeguards who took care of the snakes, placing them into a bucket, all three snakes died soon afterwards. The snake’s body was given to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
The color of the snake’s belly alerts other animals that it is venomous, containing a substance that could be dangerous for both animals and humans. However, so far, no human deaths from this snake’s bite were reported. The reason is that having small mouth and venom, the snake prefers smaller prey. Nevertheless, authorities advise us to keep away from such creatures.
The yellow-bellied snakes can be found in the tropical areas of the Indian and Pacific Ocean, on the western coast of Central America, Hawaii and also in Japan. So far, six snakes of this kind have been spotted on the Californian coast.
The reason behind this is the warm waters caused by El Niño. The snakes are not the only ones washing ashore on unfamiliar territories these days. The rising temperatures as well as altered currents get animals confused about migration.
For the snakes this is not a good thing as washing ashore means they don’t feel well, because of the trip and being far from home. The yellow-bellied snake might actually be homesick. Nonetheless, if you happen to see one of them, don’t try to cuddle. Just report what you have seen and where to the authorities and stay away from the snake. Although they don’t feed on humans you still might not want to take a chance.
Image source: www.bing.com
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