Rare blue dragons washing up on beaches
Galveston County has issued a Purple Beach Flag, signaling a potential encounter with a hazardous wildlife species: the rare blue dragon.
“Recently, our community has marveled at the sighting of a rare blue dragon, scientifically known as Glaucus atlanticus, along our coastline,” a release from the county stated last week. “While these captivating creatures may seem enchanting, it’s essential to approach them with caution.”
Also commonly known as the blue glaucus, the blue dragon is a sea slug that lives in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.
Tiny but mighty, the 1-inch creatures feed on venomous prey including the Portuguese man-of-war and other jellyfishlike species and stores the venom in their fingerl ike appendages. They subsequently become equally venomous to predators – and won’t hesitate to sting if they feel threatened.
One sting can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, post in flammatory hyper pigmentation and acute allergic contact dermatitis, including welts on the skin. In some extreme cases, a sting can be fatal.
Safety tips when visiting Texas beaches
As spring break vacationers return, Galveston County provided a number of safety tips for those visiting the beach amid potentially hazardous marine life:
• Respect the Purple Beach Flag, which indicates the presence of potentially hazardous wildlife.
• Maintain a safe distance: Avoid touching or interacting with hazardous sea creatures.
• Stay educated: Be wary of the local marine wildlife and which species have potentially hazardous behaviors and capabilities.
• Stay informed: Check for any advisories ahead of time.
• Prepare for an incident: Be prepared for minor injuries by packing a basic first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic. Know where the nearest hospital is.