It was just another fine morning at Berawa Beach when beachgoers were alerted by what appeared to be a carcass of a sea snake at around 10am.
Coconuts Bali was present to witness the scene. As we cautiously approached the reptile to take photos, a tiny wave washed over the krait and it showed signs of life.
The Banded sea krait is a sea snake common in the oceans off Indonesia. Though divers often spot the snake, they are rarely seen on land.
While sea snakes are highly venomous, they mostly keep it to themselves and only bite humans when they feel extremely threatened.
Several beach walkers who were either on their phones or wearing headsets were warned, unaware that they almost stepped on the dying snake.
Dewa, a lifeguard who was stationed at the Perancak Beach, was summoned to the scene. Together with his team, they attempted to return the sea snake into the ocean.
Sadly, after multiple tries, the snake kept getting washed back onto the beach. Soon, it became apparent that it had died.
“We have buried it [just in case] so it does not harm the beachgoers,” Dewa said.
Though sea snakes rarely come on land, snake experts have advised people to remain calm if they spot the reptile in the ocean. If bit, people will likely succumb to their extremely deadly venom before they are able to reach the shore. Beware of night walks on the beach, too, as certain sea snake species are known to lay eggs on the coastal rocks.
