The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- A venomous yellow-bellied sea snake washed ashore at Crystal Cove in Orange County, California, in a sighting captured on video.
- The snake is the first reported yellow-bellied sea snake seen in California since 2018, and there have been only six confirmed sightings in the state since 1972.
- Experts believe warm Pacific waters and shifting currents may have carried the ocean-dwelling snake north to Southern California.
- The snake carries potent venom but is not considered a danger to people who leave it alone, and experts advise calling wildlife officials instead of handling the animal.
- Scientists are now working to verify the sighting and determine whether warm-water conditions are pushing more tropical marine species into California waters.
What to watch next
- Verification of the Crystal Cove sighting by researchers.
- Whether more sea snake sightings follow, which would suggest a lasting range shift rather than a one-off event.
- Further unusual marine sightings in Southern California, such as hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and tropical fish.
Who said what1
Only words found exactly in the article are shown, attributed and linked to the line they came from.
Hayley Crowell
snake expert at San Diego State University
1 quote · 1 outlet
“the recent sighting may be linked to warm ocean water during the summer.”
In the article
…warm water moves northward, the animals may travel farther from their usual range without immediately experiencing temperatures that are uncomfortable. Hayley Crowell, a snake expert at San Diego State University, said the recent sighting may be linked to warm ocean water during the summer. She explained that the snakes can be swept off course by currents and may not recognise that they have moved far from their normal habitat if the water remains warm enough. The Pacific Ocean is constantly changing.…
Related reporting
Grouped by subject or cast while the story boundary is under human review. No chronology is implied.
Loading the story…
Coverage1
All filed from India
Named United States · California · Crystal Cove · CBS Los Angeles · Greg Pauly · Hayley Crowell · Los Angeles Times · Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County · San Diego State University
The 1 report is listed beside the record.
Ask this story
Answers cite the reports above, or say they can't.