Senior science adviser Dr Karen Middlemiss said they became aware of the blue-lipped sea krait earlier this week when a member of the public came across it while walking his dog.
“Our rangers went out to investigate, but the krait could not be found and is likely to have swum off,” she said.
“We will continue to monitor any other sightings and encourage members of the public to call us with snake/krait information on 0800 DOC HOT.”
Middlemiss said the last confirmed blue-lipped sea krait found alive in New Zealand and reported to DoC was in the Tauranga Marina in 2018, and before that at Devonport in 2011.
“In the past 10 years, there have been three confirmed sea krait sightings reported to DoC in the Auckland region.
“We have also had a few yellow-bellied sea snake sightings around Auckland coastlines over that same time period, they are more commonly seen in New Zealand.”
A member of the public spotted a krait snake while walking his dog earlier this week. Photo / Department of Conservation
In a post to Facebook, DoC said there are four species of sea snakes/kraits in New Zealand – all of which are protected under the Wildlife Act.
It is illegal to harm or harass the snakes or possess any part of them.
“During summer months, when the water is warmer, they occasionally wash up on our beaches. It is too cold for them to survive here for long, but they are highly venomous and should be avoided,” DoC said in the post.
Anyone who sees a sea snake should not try to move it back to the water, but immediately phone them for advice, DoC said.
“Dogs are particularly interested in them and if you or your dog are bitten you should seek medical attention straight away.”
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