A Portuguese man o’war, known for its painful sting, has been seen in the water off Calshot beach with New Forest District Council warning residents and beach goers.
The sighting comes in the wake of recent weather, which has increased the likelihood of encountering these creatures.
A Portuguese man o’war spotted at Milford-on-Sea (Image: New Forest District Council)
The council urged the public is urged to steer clear of these creatures, even if they appear dead, as their long tentacles can still sting for weeks after washing ashore.
Its sting is rarely fatal to humans but can cause welts on the skin and also puts dogs at risk.
The Marine Conservation Society’s website can be used to report jellyfish sightings, which help monitor ocean health.
The Portuguese Man o’ War is mostly found in tropical and subtropical seas and is rarely fatal to humans, but can cause skin welts.