Cox's Bazar, Oct 08 (V7N) — A rare species of marine snake, believed to be a yellow-lipped sea krait (Laticauda colubrina), was washed ashore on Cox's Bazar beach on Monday night. The snake was found at Kalatali Point around 9 p.m. by local beach vendor Monir , who quickly placed it in a polybag and informed authorities.

With the assistance of beach workers, officials from the Bangladesh Sea Research Institute were notified and later arrived to retrieve the snake. This was confirmed by Tariqul Islam , a senior scientific officer at the Institute of Ocean Research.

According to Tariqul Islam, the yellow-lipped sea krait typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and lagoons, and is often found near rocky areas or on land. The species is common throughout the Indo-Pacific region, frequenting beaches and rocky shores.

Islam reassured the public that the snake poses no significant danger to humans. "There is no need for people to be afraid. This species does not usually bite humans, and even if it does, the bite typically only causes pain, swelling, and possibly nausea. Deaths from bites are extremely rare," he said.

The sighting of this snake highlights the rich marine biodiversity found along the Cox's Bazar coastline and underscores the importance of protecting these ecosystems.

END/SHM/AJ