MANDURAH MAIL (Australia) 12 November 08 Sea snake causes alarm
An unusual visitor washed up on Silver Sands beach two weeks ago for a surprise visit.
Damon Knight was visiting family in Mandurah when his mother and niece returned from a beach walk with news they had almost stepped on a 1.5m snake.
A quarantine officer from Ocean Reef Mr Knight returned to the beach to inspect what he believed to be a highly venomous olive head sea snake.
“We originally thought the snake was dead however when we used the snap shot shutter on the camera, it soon woke up,” Mr Knight said.
“I know that Silver Sands beach is a popular spot for people to walk and take their dogs for a run and I didn’t want to see anyone get hurt.
“We lifted him up and tried to send him back out to the ocean but with the storm in, it was just getting bashed back on shore into the beach.
“I didn’t think the surfers and swimmers would be particularly impressed with seeing a sea snake with its head above water coming at them, so we figured we had better take it away.”
Mr Knight said they wanted to get the snake back into the water so it didn’t dehydrate.
“We rescued it by placing him in a deep container with some water and then dropped it off at the Department of Environment and Conservation office in Mandurah,” he said.
Wildlife officer from the Department of Environment and Conservation Daniel Hunter said the snake died two days after it was found.
“People do have to be mindful that sea snakes are highly venomous,” Mr Hunter said.
The Wildcare helpline is available 24 hours a day for assistance with dangerous animals and other native fauna by calling 9574 9055.
Sea snake causes alarm