A venomous sea snake found on an Auckland beach recently is the first of its species to be found alive in New Zealand in seven years, said the Department of Conservation.
A member of the public contacted DOC after they came across the snake, identified as a blue-lipped sea krait, on a beach while walking their dog in Auckland’s Devonport earlier this week.
DOC senior science advisor Karen Middlemiss said rangers went out to investigate but the krait could not be found and was likely to have swum off.
The last confirmed blue-lipped sea krait found alive in New Zealand and reported to DOC was in the Tauranga Marina in 2018.
“In the past 10 years there have been three confirmed sea krait sightings reported to DOC in the Auckland region,” Middlemiss said, adding that they occasionally wash up on New Zealand beaches during warmer summer months.
“It is too cold for them to survive here for long, but they are highly venomous and should be avoided. If you see one, do not try to move them back to the water and instead immediately phone DOC for advice.”
Dogs were particularly interested in them, she said.
“If you or your dog are bitten you should seek medical attention straight away.”
Under the Wildlife Act 1953, it is illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a sea snake or krait.
Despite being highly venomous, there is no record of anyone in NZ being bitten, DOC said.
