Sea snake rescued in Umhlanga on the road to recovery

The highly venomous yellow-bellied sea-snake that was rescued from uMhlanga’s main beach more than two weeks away is on the road to recovery.

That’s according to Carl Schloms, senior herpetologist at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), who is monitoring the snake’s recovery progress.

Schloms said the snake had probably washed up on the beach because of the large sea swells along the KZN coastline. He added the snake was so lethargic when beachgoers discovered it that some actually handled the snake to pose with for photos not realising it was venomous.

“Some of the previous strandings we have rescued have seen this species of snake covered in barnacles and in a much worse condition than this snake. Since he was placed into our care, the snake is much stronger and more alert than when he was admitted. He is moving around and investigating his enclosure. Although I have not actually seen him eating, I have noticed that some of the fish are missing and he has defecated which is a very good sign. The snake is being housed in a special exhibit which simulates the environment of a drifter species. His release will only be decided once we are confident he has regained his health,” Schloms said.

He urged the public to contact a professional when it comes to snake encounters.

“For all snake removals please call professional snake catchers. This snake was handled by members of the public on the beach who unknowingly were oblivious to dangers associated with handling a venomous snake,” he said.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: PHOTOS: Venomous sea snake washes up on uMhlanga Beach