Venomous sea snake returns to California beach after 8 years

Yellow-bellied sea snake Representative image by Canva A yellow-bellied sea snake has washed ashore on an Orange County beach, marking the first reported appearance of the venomous species in California since 2018. The rare sighting took place at Crystal Cove, according to video footage cited by the Los Angeles Times. The snake’s return has drawn attention from scientists because these ocean-dwelling reptiles are rarely seen so far north. Experts believe warm Pacific waters and shifting ocean currents may help explain how the animal reached Southern California. Although the snake carries potent venom, it is not considered a danger to people who leave it alone. Researchers are now hoping to verify the sighting and learn whether the appearance reflects an isolated event or a broader change in the species’ Pacific range.A rare visitor returnsThe yellow-bellied sea snake is an unusual sight on any California beach. The species spends its entire life in the ocean, where it hunts fish and moves with the help of currents. It is far more commonly associated with tropical and subtropical waters than with the cooler coastline of Southern California.That is why the recent appearance at Crysta...