Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
New York Post
Bearded creature washing up on Texas beach is that of ‘worst nightmares’
By FOX Weather,
3 hours ago
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Texas Gulf Coast is bristling this week at the sight of bearded fireworms, prickly creatures capable of delivering a painful sting to its victims.
Also known as bristle worms, fireworms are small worms covered in tiny, needle-like spikes that are filled with venom, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
Over the past two days, the creatures have washed up onto large logs covered in gooseneck barnacles. They noted that the worms may have been feeding on the barnacles.
The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies is warning beachgoers of the worms, as the animals can inflict tremendous pain to those who touch them.
“WARNING!!! Your worst nightmares are washing up right now in the form of bearded fireworms!” they said.
Should a spike break off of a worm and become embedded in a victim’s skin, it can cause pain, itching and a burning sensation. This sensation is what gives fireworms their name.
The pain can last for about three hours, and depending on where the bristle became stuck, the site of the wound can feel sensitive for weeks, according to the institute.
Jace Tunnell holding up a fireworm he caught. Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies Closeup of a fireworm in a glass jar showing brown gills and white bristles. Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies
Fireworm on a large log just washing in on Padre Island. Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies Fireworm on a log surrounded by gooseneck barnacles. Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies
Fireworms are found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The institute said their prey usually includes anemones, corals, barnacles and other crustaceans.
Should a person become pricked by a fireworm spike, the NPS recommends removing the spike by using adhesive tape and relieving the pain by using ammonia on the affected area.
For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0