Highly venomous sea snake on beach at Mermaid, snake catcher warns locals to steer clear

We all want to bask in the sun after the weekend’s wet weather, but a snake catcher is urging locals to stay away from a highly lethal species spotted on a popular Gold Coast beach. WATCH

A highly lethal species of snake has been spotted slithering around beachgoers at Mermaid Beach, with experts warning people to “steer clear”.

The elegant sea snake was seen by locals at the popular beach on Monday morning.

Beachgoers were crowding around the animal to capture photos and video.

The elegant sea snake was spotted at Mermaid Beach on Monday morning. Picture: Facebook

The elegant sea snake is just as deadly as the eastern brown – meaning it can kill you in a about half an hour if left untreated.

The species can grow up to 2 metres in length.

Gold Coast snake catcher Bryan Robinson confirmed the species and said “it is without a doubt a highly lethal species of snake”.

Mr Robinson said sea snakes were less reluctant to bite than more aggressive species such as the taipan or eastern brown, but given it may be stranded on a beach – “it could be a little stressed”.

Suns out tongues out. The snake was soaking up the rays – Gold Coast style. Picture: Facebook

He urged anyone encountering the snake to “steer clear” and report further sightings to qualified snake catchers in the area.

It is not clear how the snake ended up up the sand or if there are any more in the area.

Snake sightings across Queensland, particularly in coastal areas, begin to accelerate toward the end of spring heading into summer.