03/12/2024
If you are headed to the beach this Spring Break, WATCH OUT!
"Despite their delicate appearance, Portuguese man o' wars are extremely dangerous. Their tentacles, lurking beneath their balloon-like float, can reach up to 15 meters and are covered in thousands of stinging cells that can deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). For humans, the sting packs a painful punch and can cause severe effects, such as fever, swelling, nausea and even death in some rare cases."
Portuguese man o' wars have been spotted washing up on Texas beaches, including at Galveston Island State Park.