Venomous sea snakes could wash up in San Diego

Context: Warmer ocean water from El Niño can carry these snakes farther north than their typical range, she said.

• Same with sharks.
• Normally, these venomous snakes stick around around Southeast Asia, Australia, Central America, Mexico, Baja California and the Gulf of California, Vallabhaneni said.

The fact that a snake turned up farther north means they likely passed by San Diego, snake wrangler Bruce Ireland told CBS 8.

Yes, but: Even if you see one, or a few, that doesn't mean the snakes are moving in, she said.

• It's more likely just a lone stranded snake.
• "Because these snakes are highly specialized for swimming, they move very poorly on sand and may become weak, dehydrated, injured, or cold after washing ashore," she said.

Flashback: The last yellow-bellied sea snake found in the San Diego region turned up on a Coronado beach in 2016, she said.

Threat level: They are venomous. So if you see one, don't touch it and contact lifeguards or wildlife authorities.