painful and may cause swelling, muscle cramps, nausea, and other complications.
The Most Surprising Part: It Was Already Dead
The creature wasn’t alive, but that didn’t necessarily make it safe.
A dead stingray can still cause an injury because its sharp barb can remain capable of penetrating skin even after the animal has died. That’s why approaching or touching unfamiliar marine animals on the beach can be risky.
And it isn’t only stingrays.
Jellyfish, Portuguese man o’ war, sea urchins, cone snails, and other marine animals can also pose dangers even when they’re stranded or appear lifeless.
What Should You Do If You Find Something Strange?
The safest approach is simple:
Don’t touch it.
Instead, keep your distance and keep children and pets away. If you want to identify the animal, take a photograph from a safe distance and contact local beach authorities or marine professionals when appropriate.
Dogs can
