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.
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