Authorities have warned beachgoers once again to avoid any sea snakes that wash up on local beaches, after another highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake washed up on Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout Beach during the past week.

While it is unusual for these snakes to end up on local beaches, as they are usually found in warmer tropical waters, rough seas are likely the reason for them washing up along the Garden Route.

CapeNature senior field marine ranger Chanel Hauvette says that rough seas likely wash the snakes out of warmer currents into colder waters, leaving them hypothermic, and that subsequently leads to them washing up locally.

Experts have warned beachgoers not to handle these pelagic snakes as, although bites are rare, they can deliver a highly venomous neurotoxin that can be lethal.

Local snake expert Lloyd Mostert says that when these snakes wash up, they are unable to move, but that it is not an invitation to handle them.

“They are highly venomous, with no anti-venom (in South Africa),” Mostert adds. He advises anyone who comes across a snake on the beach to contact the Plett Stranding Network hotline on 079 463 4837.

Snakes that wash up and are found to be alive will be rehabilitated and released in more favourable conditions.

• These snakes have been washing up on Garden Route and Eastern Cape beaches over the past month.
• Yellow-bellied snakes can be easily identified due to their unique features. The upper half of the body is black to dark blue-brown in colour, and the lower half is yellowish in colour.