Largest Species of Jellyfish Joins Visitors at Northeast Beaches

The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish is known as the largest species of jellyfish in the world.  And it will join some beach-goers in the Northeast United States.  It seems as if they’ve come to celebrate the holiday weekend as well.  

This species of jellyfish can span about 120 feet from its top all the way to the end of it’s tentacles.  The diameter can reach about 4 feet.  Their size is particularly what makes them dangerous because from a far distance they can look like harmless fish. 

The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish usually stick to the North Atlantic during late spring and early summer.  This year, however, they are appearing later than normal and in larger quantities.  The abnormal sightings are most likely due to global warming, which in turn raises the temperatures of the waters.  It’s too early to come to conclusions, as jellyfish don’t always stick to patterns and can be unpredictable in their ways.  

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MassDCR) has issued a warning for anyone planning to visit the beaches. 

@MassDCR has issued the following recreational advisory for North Shore and South Shore beaches: pic.twitter.com/zZTLGoEDME

— MassDCR (@MassDCR) June 19, 2020

How to Stay Safe

The best thing is to avoid going to the beaches where these jellyfish have been spotted.  If the beach is too irresistible, just make sure to keep a close eye on children and pets, especially in the waters.  Fortunately, their stings are scarcely fatal.  However, if stung, treat the wound with a sting kit.   

While we are stuck to social distancing and staying indoors this holiday, here is a list of movies that may help to relieve some cabin fever.

Have you heard of the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish?  What do you think of this huge jellyfish?