The state has issued an advisory to beach goers and ocean users about a sea snake sighting on the Big Island. Courtesy photo

The sighting of a highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake at Honoli’i Beach in Hilo has prompted state officials to issue an advisory to beach and ocean goers.

The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch strongly advises the public not to touch the venomous sea snakes, which can be mistaken for eels.

A Hilo resident reported finding a live snake pinned under a log at Honoli’i Beach on Hawai’i Island. PQB inspectors responded to the beach and collected the 3-foot-long snake, which had been contained by lifeguards in a five-gallon bucket. No one was injured.

“We want to take this opportunity to inform the public to be wary of any snake-like reptile in or near the ocean,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai’i Board of Agriculture, in a news release. “This type of sea snake can be more venomous than a cobra and potentially lethal to humans.”

According to the department, sightings of yellow-bellied sea snakes on land are rare in Hawai’i and usually occur when strong winds or currents cause them to wash up along the shoreline.

Although yellow-bellied sea snakes inhabit the Pacific Ocean, it is prohibited to import or possess that species in Hawai’i.

If a sea snake is spotted onshore, people are advised not to touch it and to contact the state’s free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).