by CRYSTAL BUI, NBC 10 NEWS

A danger is washing up on beach shores in Massachusetts -- an odd creature called the Portuguese "Man of War." (NBC 10 viewer photo/WJAR)

A danger is washing up on beach shores in Massachusetts -- an odd creature called the Portuguese "Man of War."

"My husband and just laughed because the name, said Vure Resendes.

But it was only until after the Fourth of July weekend that viewers sent NBC 10 News photos of the jelly-fish-like creature popping up.

Those in charge posted an 8-by-11-inch warning sign at Horseneck Beach in Westport, Massachusetts.

"I'm pretty aware of the signs that are here and today is the first time I've seen this sign, Ruth Silvernail said, adding that shes a regular on these shores. It would be very nervous, for me, and my sister to go into the water, when there's Portuguese man of war.

If touched, the man of war can deliver an extremely painful sting.

Don't want to ever take the chance of getting stung, said Silvernail.

But the caution sign is so subtle that until NBC 10 pointed it out, some people didn't even know they needed to pay closer attention to where they were walking.

It's a little bit nerve-wrecking, said Chris Bartczak. Definitely.

Their long, thin tendrils can extend 165 feet in length below the surface. Above water, in shallow areas, the tendrils can still extend 30 feet.

"There's a concern, said Resendes.

Although there's no way to completely avoid some of Mother Nature's predators, beachgoers wish they were told sooner.

"We don't want to frighten the patrons, but just to be aware that they are in the water and just be extra cautious, said Silvernail.

Link:

Portuguese man of wars washing up on New England beaches - Turn to 10