Beachgoers shocked as snake emerges from the ocean in Maryland

On a recent Saturday, beachgoers in Ocean City, Maryland, were caught by surprise when a large black snake emerged from the ocean waves. Roxanne Flanagan, who visited the beach with her children for Springfest, initially thought her daughter was mistaken when she yelled about the snake. However, upon closer inspection, Flanagan realized it was indeed a snake and captured photos and video of the incident as the snake slithered onto the sand. Despite the initial shock among beachgoers, officials confirmed that the snake was an eastern hognose, a non-venomous species that resides in sandy habitats and poses no threat to humans. Flanagan and others remained cautious as they awaited the arrival of Animal Control to handle the situation. Concerned for safety, Flanagan encouraged her children to stay away while observing the snake in case it approached other beach patrons. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) later commented on the sighting, emphasizing that eastern hognose snakes are native to North America and that their presence in sandy environments, like beaches, is not unusual. After monitoring the situation for a while, DNR officials confirmed that the snake was safe and proceeded to relocate it away from the beach area, ensuring that beachgoers could safely resume their activities without concern for their safety. The incident highlights how unexpected wildlife encounters can occur even in popular tourist destinations and reinforces the importance of educating the public about local wildlife. Such occurrences remind beach visitors to exercise caution and remain vigilant while enjoying the ocean, particularly in areas where local wildlife may venture close to human activities.