Large Swarm of Jellyfish Washes on the Shore of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Hundreds of Jellyfish washed on the shore of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, where the National Park Service said that the jellyfish don't sting.

Tourists at the beach were disrupted as they saw the large swarm of Cannonball Jellyfish. According to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Facebook post, Jellyfish, including the Cannonball Jellyfish, depends on currents and winds to swim.

The advisory noted that colder water temperatures and currents could be the reasons for the jellyfish washing ashore. The Facebook post also added that the Red Drum larvae might spawn in the area, which is the jellyfish's main food source.

According to AccuWeather, Cape Hatteras National Seashore reminded that the jellyfish on the shore don't sing, but they should be avoided or left alone to let nature take its course.

The post garnered reactions from the citizens. As of October 15, 2022, the Facebook post has over 1,400 reactions, 225 comments and 923 shares. Meanwhile, the National Park Service also shared the post with over 3,300 reactions, 132 comments, and 252 shares.

The comments on the Facebook page include netizens who were amazed and the first time to see the Cannonball jellyfish ashore. Others said that it was how nature reacted.

Cannonball Jellyfish

According to the Animal Diversity Diversity website, Cannonball jellyfish is also known as Stomolophus melegris. The said species can be found in portions of the Gulf Coast, the Southeastern United States, southern California, Brazil, the South China Sea, and many others.

For the physical description, the page noted that the Cannonball jellyfish appears to be a hemispherical bell that could consist of different colors, from yellow to brown pigment to milky blue.

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According to the American Oceans, there are over 2,000 species of Jellyfish in the ocean. Some are Mauve Stingers, Pink Comb Jelly, Lion's Mane Jelly, Flower Hat Jellyfish, Cannonball Jelly, Moon Jelly, and many others.

National Geographic said that jellyfish diet are plants, crabs, fish, and shrimps.

What to do with jellyfish encounters

Jellyfish that can sting could cause painful and inflamed marks on the skin or the body. With an encounter with a jellyfish in the ocean or ashore, it is best to leave it alone. Here are some tips you should remember if you get close to Jellyfish. National Geographic explained that Jellyfish don't launch attacks on purpose unless they are threatened or touched.

Leave it alone and stay away. Don't touch or handle the Jellyfish in the ocean or ashore on islands or beaches. Call for the beach or park authorities because they know what to do. According to National Geographic, the sting from jellyfish can be dangerous and deadly.
If a jellyfish stings you, seek immediate medical assistance from the nearest clinic or hospital. A jellyfish sting can be painful.
Schedule your swimming on the beach when the jellyfish return to the ocean or swim in areas with no jellyfish ashore.
If you are submerged in the ocean, be wary of jellyfish stings.
Be careful in taking pictures. Stay in the distance to avoid close contact with the Jellyfish.