What to do if you find a snake or turtle

Forest and Bird, Issue 306, 1 November 2002, Page 16

What to do if you find a snake or turtle

lf you are fortunate enough to find or see a sea snake or turtle you should report it as soon as possible to the nearest Department of Conservation office or on O800 DOC HOTLINE (0800 36 24 68). Regardless of whether the specimen is alive or dead, all observations are important to help determine the occurrence and status of these creatures in New Zealand. Make good notes on what you have seen or found, including a description (or photos) of the animal, and details of the site and circumstances. Also check to see if a turtle has a tag in its flipper and note the number. lf the turtle or snake is in the sea and in apparently good health just leave it alone. If it is ashore and still alive, leave it where it is and let trained DoC staff deal with it — though it is important to provide shade. If the animal is dead, either move it well above the high tide line or take it to a safe place for later collection. Remember, all sea snakes and turtles are fully protected and must not be harmed or harassed in any way. Do not handle live sea snakes — their venom is highly toxic and bites can be fatal. This is no reason to fear sea snakes, however, as they will not attempt to bite unless severely provoked. In the unlikely event someone is bitten, keep the victim calm, still and lying down or partially sitting, apply a pressure bandage to the site of the bite, immobilise the limb with a splint or a sling, and immediately contact the nearest hospital and seek treatment with antivenom. The victim should be given water but no food. DO NOT give alcohol or other stimulants, apply tourniquets, put ice on the bite, try to suck out the poison, or make incisions or excisions.