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.
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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.