HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — State officials in Hilo are sounding the alarm after a highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was found alive at Honolii Beach.
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Crews from Hilo’s Plant Quarantine Branch were notified of the snake on Feb. 4 after a resident found it pinned under a log.
Lifeguards headed to the beach to collect the three-foot-long snake, which was contained in a five-gallon bucket.
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No injuries were reported from the incident, but the Hawaii PQB reminds beach and ocean goers that these snakes are extremely dangerous and should not be touched.
We want to take this opportunity to inform the public to be wary of any snake-like reptile in or near the ocean. This type of sea snake can be more venomous than a cobra and potentially lethal to humans.
Sharon Hurd, Hawaii Board of Agriculture chairperson
The public can identify a sea snake from the bright yellow markings on its underside.
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The Department of Agriculture said these snakes inhabit the Pacific Ocean and it is illegal to import or possess the species in Hawaii.
Even though it’s their appearances on land in Hawaii are rare, officials said strong winds or currents can cause them to wash up on the shoreline.
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If you spot a sea snake on shore, call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).
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