Attack of the Jellyfish: Maine Beaches on Alert

If you're planning on heading to the beach soon in southern Maine, you may want to stay alert for a creature that may treat you as a snack!  

According to WGME, officials have put out a warning that there has been a spike in jellyfish.

When I was younger, I was obsessed with jellyfish. I thought it was so interesting that you could see right through them!

Apparently there has been more sightings specifically with moon jellyfish and the rare lion’s mane.

As per the post, the Ogunquit fire chief has reported that six people have been stung this past week! 

He told WGME,  

"The lion's mane jellyfish are the ones you should watch out for. They look like a reddish, brownish orb in the water. They have long tentacles and those tentacles can be quite a ways away from the jellyfish, so avoid them if you see them,"

Check out the in depth news segment from CBS News 13 via YouTube, below!

The beloved Willard Beach in South Portland hosted a surprise lion’s mane during the weekend and you must be careful with them.

They may look super gorgeous and glowing like sea lanterns, but the tentacles they have are truly dangerous and painful.  

What is Causing the Spike in Maine Jellyfish Sighting? 

Leave it to the scientists on this one folks. Janet Duffy-Anderson is the Chief Scientific Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and she saying that with the water being warmer and the currents shifting, the jellyfish are coming closer to the shore. 

The jellyfish spotted at Willard Beach was almost five feet long.

Read More: How 200 Tons of Sand Became a Beach Masterpiece in New Hampshire

So what do we do? Well, just stay alert and informed.

If you see one, don’t touch it, don’t poke it, just witness the beauty and walk away. They are truly fascinating but it’s best to admire from afar.