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Purple flag: Portuguese Man O’ War washing up in Emerald Isle

They look like bluish clear balloons, but Cape Lookout National Seashore officials say the creatures, with tentacles 30 feet or longer, can deliver a painful sting to anyone who touches it.
(Photo: 4Neus on Flickr via Creative Commons)
They look like bluish clear balloons, but Cape Lookout National Seashore officials say the creatures, with tentacles 30 feet or longer, can deliver a painful sting to anyone who touches it.

Emerald Isle is warning people to watch for stinging creatures that have been washing up on the beaches.

Officials said Portuguese Man O’ War have been spotted along the tide line.

They are telling people not to touch the balloon-like sea life because they can sting even when they’re out of the water.

In the water, town officials said their tentacles can extend further than what is visible.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.