Sea creatures with a painful sting wash up on Dorset's beaches
Look for out the Portuguese Man O' War.
Last updated 9th Nov 2020
We're being warned to watch out for sea creatures whose sting packs a punch.
Portuguese Man O War, which are often mistaken for jellyfish, have been washed ashore at Chesil Beach and Newton's Cove.
Their gas-filled bladder means they're easily blown around by stormy weather and strong winds.
Sally Welbourn from Dorset Wildlife Trust said:
"In recent years, it's not been unusual for stormy weather to wash up Portuguese man o' war along Dorset beaches on westerly winds.
"They can't swim so are at the mercy of the winds as they are held afloat by a gas filled bladder. The crest-like structure at the top acts like a sail.
"Whilst these are fascinating to look at, they can give a nasty sting even when dead, so please don't touch them if you see one washed up on a local beach."