Latest news with #KarlFisher
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Science
- NZ Herald
Yellow-bellied sea snake found near Great Barrier Island, third in fortnight
A live snake was found on Omaha beach on April 27 and was reported to DoC, but by the time their ranger had arrived, the snake was dead. 'It's clear the snake has been bitten by a dog and been hit with something,' said DoC senior ranger Karl Fisher. A few days earlier, another live snake had been found, near Hokitika on the West Coast. Senior ecologist and consultant herpetologist to the Ministry for Primary Industries, Dylan van Winkel, earlier told the Herald it's not unusual for these snakes to wash ashore after heavy storms. 'It is a pelagic species and is a relatively weak swimmer and when not swimming or diving it drifts passively in surface currents and is frequently found associated with drifting weed and debris.' Van Winkel says the species requires warmer water for activity and feeding and that those snakes that are swept into areas of cold water are subject to cold-shock and distress, reducing their ability to swim. 'Which leads to beach strandings. Nearly all specimens recorded in Aotearoa New Zealand are of stranded individuals, many of which come following large storm events.' The closest permanent breeding population to New Zealand occurs off the central coast of New South Wales. Breeding has not been recorded in New Zealand, and all reported individuals from seas surrounding the mainland are large adults. Van Winkel describes the snake's venom as 'medically significant'. 'You'd be in trouble if you got bitten – but bites are rare. It's really important that people don't interfere with any sea snakes that wash ashore or are seen in New Zealand waters." It's illegal to kill native sea snakes or possess one. They are a native species under the Wildlife Act of 1953. Penalties can include up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000. The public is encouraged to report all sightings to DoC using the hotline 0800 DOC HOT.
1News
27-04-2025
- 1News
Sea snake found alive on beach now dead, likely 'hit with something'
A venomous sea snake found alive on a beach north of Auckland this morning appeared to have been fatally bitten by a dog and "hit with something" by the time Department of Conservation staff arrived. A member of the public found the yellow-bellied sea snake alive near the sand dunes on the southern end of Omaha Beach on Sunday. DOC senior ranger Karl Fisher said they were alerted at around 10am by an email from the member of the public. "We have sent one of our rangers to check it out, but in the meantime, we want people and their dogs to stay away from the dunes at the southern end of Omaha beach." However in an update at 2pm, DOC said attending staff had found the yellow-bellied sea snake dead. ADVERTISEMENT Fisher said it was clear the snake had been bitten by a dog and hit with something. "It's very rare for these sea snakes to come onto land and it was probably blown in with the strong winds and needed a rest." He said he wanted to remind the public it was illegal to kill native species and that DOC should have been notified. "I can understand how someone might react if their dog was attacking the snake, but these snakes are venomous and should not be touched or interacted with." The snake's body had been taken to the DOC office in Warkworth and would be examined by staff. Yellow-bellied sea snakes were venomous and can be aggressive if threatened. They were found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand. ADVERTISEMENT Under the Wildlife Act 1953, it is illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a sea snake or krait.
1News
27-04-2025
- Climate
- 1News
Live sea snake washes up on beach north of Auckland
A live sea snake found on a beach north of Auckland this morning may have been blown ashore by recent wild weather, the Department of Conservation says. A member of the public found the yellow-bellied sea snake near the sand dunes on the southern end of Omaha Beach on Sunday. DOC senior ranger Karl Fisher said they were alerted at around 10am by an email from the member of the public. "We have sent one of our rangers to check it out, but in the meantime, we want people and their dogs to stay away from the dunes at the southern end of Omaha beach." The snakes were not usually seen on land, Fisher said. 'It's very uncommon to see them on land, but with the extreme weather we've had recently, we are seeing all kinds of birds and sea life being blown ashore." He said once the ranger had visited the site, the area would be cordoned off and a decision on what to do with the snake would be made. "In the meantime, we want to make sure the public are aware and especially dog walkers or any children playing in the area." Yellow-bellied sea snakes were venomous and can be aggressive. They were found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand. Under the Wildlife Act 1953, it is illegal to harm, harass, or possess any part of a sea snake or krait.
