A yellow-bellied sea snake was filmed ashore at Crystal Cove in Orange County, potentially California’s first sighting since 2018. Reptile expert Greg Pauly is seeking more video to verify it; experts say the venomous snake is not dangerous if left alone.
Pauly, a reptile expert at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, said Orange County had two earlier reports, both in 2018; California has had only six confirmed sightings since 1972. Yellow-bellied sea snakes usually live in warm tropical and subtropical waters.
San Diego State University snake expert Hayley Crowell said warm ocean water likely helped explain the appearance, though currents may have carried the snake. Pauly said cold water can make stranded snakes lethargic. Nighttime cellphone footage aired by CBS Los Angeles shows someone using a palm frond to try to move the snake toward the water. Experts advise leaving wild animals alone and calling wildlife officials if in doubt.
