Keep Your Distance from the Jellyfish

Looks like beachgoers may need to stay a bit farther back this summer.

A massive jellyfish, measuring nearly five feet across and boasting tentacles over 100 feet long, was spotted at Willard Beach in South Portland last weekend. This giant, known as the lion’s mane jellyfish, is one of the largest species in the world. The local authorities even took to Facebook to warn swimmers to steer clear of these stinging creatures.

“Don’t touch it! They can sting,” officials cautioned, sharing images of this striking jellyfish, which has a vibrant, blood-red bell and long, flowing tentacles just beneath the water’s surface.

“Just look at it! It’s fascinating to watch. If you see one wash up at Willard Beach, make sure to tell a lifeguard. They’ll help get it back into the water,” they advised.

Typically, these jellyfish are found in colder waters, from the Arctic to the Pacific along Alaska and Washington’s coast. According to marine research, lion’s mane jellyfish can have up to 1,200 tentacles arranged in clusters, each capable of delivering a painful sting.

“People can get hurt,” noted Dr. Jerome Pinity, a scientist at a local institute. “The sting can be quite painful, but unless you have an allergy, it’s generally not life-threatening. If you do get stung, it’s best to use sand to help remove the tentacles.”

However, symptoms can vary. Besides the initial sting, there may be skin irritation, swelling, nausea, or even more severe reactions like dizziness and difficulty breathing.

Despite their unsettling appearance, the jellyfish have become a hot topic on social media. One user commented on a viral post: “The pattern is really beautiful; I thought it was a huge clot!” Another chimed in, saying, “At first, I thought someone just tossed a barbecue rib in the water.”