SNAKES are everywhere and in every continent in the world but are there actually snakes in New Zealand? Does the country’s geographical position have something to do with snakes not actually making it to the isolated island?
Hence, is the country devoid of snakes?
VERDICT:
TRUE (mostly)
Evolutionarily speaking, snakes somehow never made it to the nation's shores, hence they are not exactly a common sight in this part of the world. This has something to do with the country's geographical position. The isolated land mass makes it too far and impossible for the limbless reptiles to swim across the wide open ocean.
On the other hand, water snakes, also popularly known as yellow-bellied sea snakes, have been sighted by beachgoers over recent years.
Experts believe that the rising water temperatures and rough weather may have played a role in the occurrence.
Warm waters create a favourable environment for the snakes. Then the unpredictable weather - storms and rough seas - could have led to these creatures washing up the shores.
Generally, snakes steer clear of New Zealand waters as it's too cold for them. All in all, the country is (mostly) free of snakes.
References:
3. https://travelsnippet.com/
