Venomous Blue Sea Dragons Invade North Carolina Beaches: Don't Let the Size Fool You!

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are playing host to some unexpected, and rather spicy, visitors. Venomous Blue Sea Dragons (Glaucus atlanticus) have been spotted washing ashore, prompting a warning from the National Park Service.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore took to Facebook to alert beachgoers about these vibrant, yet dangerous, sea slugs.

"This venomous sea slug lives in the open ocean and occasionally gets stranded on land following strong winds," officials stated. "They may only grow to about an inch long, but don't let their size fool you. They pack a punch!"

Also known as sea swallows or blue angels, these creatures typically reach about 1.3 inches in length, according to Oceana.org.

They're commonly found floating around in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, chilling in tropical and subtropical waters.

These slugs spend their lives upside-down at the water's surface, staying afloat by storing air bubbles in their stomachs. Talk about a lazy river!

Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials noted that Blue Sea Dragons dine on Portuguese man o’ war. Here's the crazy part:

"Because their meals consist of such a venomous creature, they are capable of storing that venom for their own defense," the park service explained. "They concentrate that ingested venom and deliver a sting that is even more powerful! Talk about a fiery bite for such a small dragon."

Due to their potent venom, officials are urging people to admire these blue beauties from a distance. No touching!

"Blue Sea Dragons can travel in groups known as ‘Blue Fleets,’" the post added. "If they are discovered, dead or alive, they remain venomous. Please enjoy this fascinating organism without touching it."