08/03/2026
🐍 When wildlife needs help, our community rallies together.
A call came through to WIRES about a sea snake spotted at Sawtell by the Sawtell Life guards. Because sea snakes are venomous, only trained and experienced handlers can safely assist. Luckily, Adam from Coffs Coast Snake Rescue was available to help.
This little one was only about 40 cm long and in very poor condition — extremely dehydrated, sunburnt, covered in barnacles and completely exhausted. Adam carefully transported the tiny fighter to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary for veterinary assessment and rehabilitation.
After rehydration, a much-needed rest, and a freshwater soak to remove the barnacles, our patient started to recover. We nicknamed him “Toothless.”
He’s a Horned Sea Snake (Hydrophis peronii) — a remarkable species rarely seen this close to shore.
When the time came for release, our community stepped up once again. Mike from Jetty Dive generously offered his boat, as sea snakes need to be released well offshore for the best chance of survival.
With calm seas and a second chance at life, this little fighter was ready to return home. 🌊
A huge thank you to the incredible people in our community who give their time, skills, boats, equipment and care to help wildlife — often without hesitation and always without expecting anything in return.
Wildlife rescue truly is a community effort. 💙
WIRES Jetty Dive
