By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
OXNARD, Calif. — Sharks aren’t the only thing beachgoers have to worry about in California.
A highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was discovered Friday at the Silver Strand in Oxnard.
The snake died while being transported to the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's office, according to the Ventura County Star.
It is believed to be the first yellow-bellied sea snake sighting in the area in 30 years.
The El Niño weather pattern is suspected in playing a role in the deadly snake’s reappearance. As their name suggest, sea snakes are entirely aquatic and seeing one on land may mean the snake is injured or ill, according to a statement released by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Wildlife experts urge beachgoers to keep their distance if they suspect they have found a yellow-bellied sea snake. The public is encouraged to send location information about any sea snake sightings to their local wildlife agency for tracking purposes.
Cox Media Group
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