WARNING TO PARENTS AND DOG WALKERS AS PORTUGUESE MEN O’WAR WASHED UP ON BEACHES
Pictures posted on Facebook show examples on Tywyn beach that look like small, inflated plastic bags.
Others have been reported on beaches near Harlech.
It’s prompted a warning from Williams Veterinary Surgeons, which has surgeries in Tywyn, Cemmaes Road and Barmouth.
In a Facebook post, accompanied by a photo, the practice said: “Please be careful when walking your dogs at the moment.
“The bad weather has bought these beasties in – they have been seen on Tywyn beach.
“So be aware as they will be on other local beaches as well.
“They can really cause our doggie friends some serious problems if ingested or stung by them.”
The Portuguese Man O’War – named after a warship and nicknamed the “Floating Terror’ – is often mistaken for a jellyfish.
In fact, it is a floating colony of zooids, genetically identical units with specialised functions.
They can travel by wind for thousands of miles thanks to an enlarged float filled with carbon monoxide and air, which serves as a sail.
In their wake they drag long, ribbon-like tentacles that are virtually invisible and are designed to kill fish.
Hilary Rowlands, a founder member of Tywyn Beach Guardians, refuses to walk her dogs on local shorelines after storms for fear of what they might bring – including the Portuguese Man O’War.
She said: “When they are small, they are one of those things you can easily pick up without thinking about it.
“Dogs snuffling around on the beach can bite them or pick one up.
“They can look like marine litter – they are nasty little things in disguise.”
Over half-term, Hilary said there were likely to be more families walking along beaches and combing them for treasures brought in by storms and high tides.
She urged everyone to be careful.
“Even if these things are washed up, and even if they don’t look like a massive jellyfish, they still have the capacity to deliver a powerful sting,” she said.
“If you have an overenthusiastic dog, your walk might not have a happy ending.”
If you or your dogs are stung, you should seek medical or veterinary help immediately.
Incidents should also be reported to council maritime services.