Just one week after hundreds of people flocked to Clam Harbour Beach for the annual sand castle building competition, photos have hit the internet of a Portuguese Man O War found tonight, the evening of August 29th.
On August 19th, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables issued a warning to residents and those visiting our picturesque beaches and coastlines that Portuguese man o’ war had been spotted at Martinique Beach.
Use extra caution when visiting beaches and always closely supervise your children as they could confuse the colourful creature for a toy.
If stung by a man o’ war, rinse the wounded area in vinegar to remove any residual stingers or bits of tentacle left on the skin. You should never rub the tentacles off.
These sightings are unusual around Nova Scotia. If you spot a man o’ war, report it to your local Lands & Forestry office.