Latest news with #PortugueseMan-o-Wars
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Weird sea creature ‘balloons' are washing up on North Carolina beaches - here's what they are
Portuguese man-of-war are washing up on North Carolina beaches, forcing officials to issue a warning to beachgoers along a 150-mile stretch of sand from Cape Lookout to the South Carolina state line. Visitors are being cautioned to watch where they step because of the sting the creatures can emit. The sting is rarely deadly to humans but can be painful and cause welts on exposed skin. 'Just a friendly reminder to exercise caution,' the Cape Lookout National Seashore wrote in a May 17 Facebook post. 'Their tentacles can pose a risk to bare feet even after the organism has died. So, let's keep our beach fun and safe by avoiding attempts to pop the blue float. ... Portuguese Man-o-Wars are likely to remain on the beach for several days, so let's stay vigilant over the next week.' While similar in appearance to jellyfish, the creatures are a species of siphonophore, a group of animals closely related to jellyfish, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical areas. They wash up on beaches after being propelled by winds and ocean currents. The creatures are capable of floating in legions of 1,000 or more. Portuguese man-of-war resembles an 18th-century Portuguese warship under full sail, but they are often recognized for their balloon-like shape, which can be blue, violet or pink. The creature can rise up to six inches out of the water. They often lurk below the ocean's surface and grow to an average of 10 meters (about 30 feet) and may extend by as much as 30 meters or 100 feet. The Sunset Beach Fire Department alerted visitors that the 'thread-like tentacles' can spread across the sand. Anyone who is stung should rinse the affected area with saltwater, not freshwater, and remove tentacles with gloves or a towel. People should seek medical attention if they experience severe pain, difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Notorious stinging sea creatures wash up on multiple NC beaches, photos show
Notorious Portuguese man-of-wars are washing up on North Carolina beaches, prompting warnings along the roughly 150-mile stretch from Cape Lookout to the South Carolina state line. Cape Lookout National Seashore, Oak Island and Sunset Beach are among the areas cautioning visitors to watch where they step, due to stinging capabilities of the balloon-like creatures. 'Just a friendly reminder to exercise caution,' Cape Lookout National Seashore wrote in a May 17 Facebook post. 'Their tentacles can pose a risk to bare feet even after the organism has died. So, let's keep our beach fun and safe by avoiding attempts to pop the blue float. ... Portuguese Man-o-Wars are likely to remain on the beach for several days, so let's stay vigilant over the next week.' Known as man o' war and man-of-war, they are often mistaken for jellyfish. However, they are 'actually a species of siphonophore, a group of animals that are closely related to jellyfish,' the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports. 'Found mostly in tropical and subtropical seas, men o' war are propelled by winds and ocean currents alone, and sometimes float in legions of 1,000 or more!' NOAA says. 'Resembling an 18th-century Portuguese warship under full sail, the man o' war is recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet, or pink and rises up to six inches above the waterline. Lurking below the float are long strands of tentacles and polyps that grow to an average of 10 meters (about 30 feet) and may extend by as much as 30 meters (about 100 feet).' Those tentacles have stinging nematocysts with a venom that is rarely deadly to humans, but 'packs a painful punch and causes welts on exposed skin,' NOAA says. Sunset Beach Fire Department noted the 'thread-like tentacles' can end up spread in every direction across the sand, like little venomous land mines. 'If stung: Rinse with saltwater (not fresh!), remove any visible tentacles (use gloves or a towel), and seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms,' the fire department wrote in a Facebook post.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Watch your step: Portuguese Man-o-Wars already washing up on NC beaches
HARKERS ISLAND, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — If you're heading to any Carolina beaches this weekend, local officials are warning folks about the presence of Portuguese Man-o-Wars. While these striking blue-and-purple creatures might look like something out of a sci-fi movie, their tentacles pack a real sting, even after they've died. Park officials are urging beachgoers to be extra cautious when walking along the sand barefoot. And yes, that includes curious kids and overly adventurous pets! Tempted to poke or pop that shiny blue float? Just don't. Officials strongly recommend avoiding any contact with the creatures, even if they appear lifeless. If you or someone in your group does get stung, officials say reach for vinegar, not water, to rinse the affected area. Officials say vinegar can help neutralize the stinging cells and ease the pain. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
