Venomous Creatures Wash Up on Popular North Carolina Beaches

North Carolina beachgoers got an unexpected—and venomous—visitor this week. Tiny but mighty Blue Sea Dragons, also known as Glaucus atlanticus, washed up along the shores of the Outer Banks, prompting a warning from the National Park Service.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore shared the news on Facebook, explaining the sea slugs were likely blown ashore by strong winds. Despite their small size—they max out at about 1.3 inches—these creatures are no joke. The park service cautioned, "They may only grow to about an inch long, but don’t let their size fool you. They pack a punch!"

Blue Sea Dragons are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, spending most of their lives floating upside-down at the ocean’s surface. According to Oceana.org, they stay buoyant by storing air bubbles in their stomachs. Who knew being a stomach-based balloon could look so elegant?

What makes these creatures truly fascinating—and a little terrifying—is their diet. Blue Sea Dragons feed on the venomous Portuguese man o’ war and store its venom for their own defense. The result is a sting that’s even more potent than their prey’s. The park service remarked, "Talk about a fiery bite for such a small dragon." No kidding—these little guys are the ultimate example of "you are what you eat."

Officials advised people to admire these dazzling, sapphire-toned creatures from a respectful distance. Even if they’re dead, they remain venomous (because why not add a bit more drama to their resume?).

Adding to the intrigue, Blue Sea Dragons often travel in groups called "Blue Fleets." So, if you spot one, chances are its buddies aren’t far behind. The takeaway? Enjoy their beauty, but don’t touch—unless you’re keen on experiencing their stinging "punch."