Portuguese man-of-wars venomous, jellyfish-like creatures have been found on Seagull Beach in Yarmouth.

Here come the Portuguese man-of-wars, just in time for the holiday.

In a Facebook post Monday, officials at the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources warned beachgoers theyd received multiple reports of the venomous, jellyfish-like creatures washing up on shore in recent days.

Advertisement

There was one reported yesterday, and two reported this morning, said Bill Bonnetti, field supervisor for the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources. He added that all three sightings occurred at Seagull Beach.

Known for their painful sting and exotic look, the creatures are actually not jellyfish at all, according to National Geographic. Instead, theyre classified as siphonophores meaning theyre composed of multiple organisms coexisting.

Get Fast Forward in your inbox:

Forget yesterday's news. Get what you need today in this early-morning email.

They carry venom in their tentacles, and people who come into contact with one of the creatures or even a floating piece of a tentacle can experience a painful sting resulting in a welt or abrasion, Bonnetti said.

In some cases, a sting can result in the victim being sent into anaphylactic shock, though such cases are rare.

The creature has occasionally caused problems on Cape Cod beaches. In 2006, for instance, temporary swimming bans were put into effect after at least 14 people were stung by a swarm of the invertebrates. Some victims received hospital care following their run-ins.

Advertisement

So far, though, the recent encounters have been far less serious. On Monday, the department hadnt received any reports of anyone being stung, Bonnetti said. He noted that people should avoid the creature if they do come across one.

They can call us, or notify whatever public official is on the beach, he said.

See more here:

The Portuguese man-of-war has returned to Cape Cod beaches ... - The Boston Globe