Snake Surprises Maryland Beachgoers and Slithers Out of the Ocean
A relaxing day at the beach quickly turned into a scene of surprise when beachgoers in Ocean City, Maryland, witnessed a snake emerge from the surf. The reptile, later identified as an eastern hognose snake, captured the attention of many and sparked a flurry of concern, particularly among those unfamiliar with the species.
The event unfolded on a Saturday afternoon during the Springfest weekend when Roxanne Flanagan and her family ventured to Ocean City. While enjoying a day at the beach, Flanagan's daughter yelled out, claiming to have seen a snake. Initially, Flanagan dismissed the claim, thinking it was just a stick, she told FOX Weather. However, upon closer inspection, she saw the creature slithering across the sand, much to her surprise.
Flanagan took out her phone and filmed the slithering snake, which seemed to glide in and out of the water, raising concerns for the beachgoers nearby. The footage quickly went viral, sparking discussions online and leading to local authorities being alerted.
Photo: Facebook / Roxy Flanagan
A snake was spotted emerging from the ocean in Ocean City, Maryland.
Eastern Hognose: A Local Visitor
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identified the snake as an eastern hognose, a native species typically found in sandy soil habitats. According to experts, it’s not unusual for this snake to be found on beaches, given its preference for such environments. Gregg Bortz, a spokesperson for the DNR, told FOX Weather that while the sight of a snake on the beach may seem unusual, the eastern hognose is not out of place in this setting.
No Threat to Humans
While the snake’s appearance startled many, experts quickly assured the public that there was no need for alarm. Eastern hognose snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. The snake's most striking defense mechanism is its ability to flatten its head and hiss, mimicking the posture of a cobra. However, this display is purely for deterrence and not an actual threat, The Baltimore Banner reports.
Local authorities were notified, and Ocean City Animal Control responded promptly. They confirmed that the snake was safely relocated, allowing beachgoers to return to their activities. The Maryland Zoo also reassured the public, stating that this type of encounter is rare but not unheard of in the region.
Photo: Facebook / Roxy Flanagan
Beachgoers were shocked when they saw the snake slithering across the sand.
Beachgoers React
Despite the initial shock, Roxanne Flanagan emphasized that this incident wouldn’t deter her family from returning to the beach.
"I’ll still go to the beach, but I’ll be extra cautious," she told WMAR2 News, reflecting the sentiment of many other visitors who may have been startled but not overly frightened by the unexpected encounter. The appearance of the snake added an unexpected twist to their day, but Flanagan and her family have remained undeterred from future trips.
The Takeaway
The sighting of the eastern hognose snake in Ocean City serves as a reminder of the surprising interactions that can occur between humans and wildlife. While some may have initially feared for their safety, experts assure that the snake posed no threat. It’s a story that adds to the growing collection of unusual beach encounters, reminding us of the diversity of life on our shores and the importance of respecting nature’s creatures.
As for Flanagan, she’s taken the experience in stride and encourages others to observe, rather than fear, the wildlife around them.
