Urgent UK beach warning after discovery of monstrous jellyfish that can continue stinging after it has died
BEACHGOERS have been issued an urgent warning after a monstrous jellyfish capable of stinging even after it has died was discovered in the UK.
The giant beast was found on a stretch of coastline in Gwynedd, Wales, over the weekend and is reported to measure more than 3ft across.
It was pictured by Ian Clarke, who spotted it while out walking his dog, Coco.
He told North Wales Live that it was the biggest he had ever seen and that he kept Coco on a lead so that the pooch didn’t get too close to its long tentacles.
Based on the photo, the creature appears to be a barrel jellyfish.
The species is native to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, but are common in the Irish Sea.
Their growth potential of 1.5 metres (or 4ft 9in) makes them the largest jellyfish found in British waters.
The fact that their eight stinging arms can still cause harm when their dead means that people have to be wary around them.
While stings are not life-threatening, they can cause burning sensations, nasty skin irritation and ulcers.
Barrel jellyfish swarm the coasts in warmer months to feed, meaning they often wash up on beaches.
Walkers should stay alert, especially if strolling barefoot on the sand.
Meanwhile, pet owners should be sure to keep their furry friends well away from the venomous tendrils.
It comes after holidaymakers were warned over swarms of ‘fried egg’ jellyfish descending on the Spanish coast near tourist hotspot Alicante.