Crowding the Beach Causes 'Emergency'... "Do Not Touch Them Because They Look Like Pokemon"

Recently, a large number of blue sea slugs known as 'Blue Dragon' have swarmed the beaches of Texas, USA, raising alarms.

On the 13th (local time), the British BBC warned that although the 'Blue Dragon' is sweeping the beaches, it should never be touched. The blue-bodied sea slug, called 'Blue Dragon' due to the wing-like protrusions extending on both sides, lives on the water and floats upside down as if doing backstroke.

The Blue Dragon is characterized by capturing poisonous creatures such as jellyfish and storing their toxins in its body, which it releases when threatened. Furthermore, even after washing up on the beach and dying, these toxins remain.

Because of this, experts warn that contact with this creature can cause severe pain if stung. Symptoms of being stung by a Blue Dragon include nausea, severe pain, vomiting, acute allergic reactions, and contact dermatitis. In severe cases, medical treatment is necessary.

BBC said, "Travelers, be cautious. Poisonous creatures resembling Pok?mon are washing up on Texas beaches," adding, "Marine biologists agree that these creatures resemble Pok?mon characters."

The blue sea slug known as the 'Blue Dragon'.
[Image source=Getty Images]

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Jace Turnell, a marine biologist at Texas A&M University, said, "When I was a child, I stepped on one (Blue Dragon) on a beach in Australia, and my father still has the scar from trying to protect me on his hand." He added, "Because touching small and pretty things is so common, warnings not to touch the Blue Dragon are necessary."

The Blue Dragon is mainly distributed across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, but its habitat is gradually expanding. Recently, it has also been found along the eastern and southern coasts of South Africa, European waters, near Mozambique, and the eastern coast of Australia. Researchers suggest that climate change may have influenced this expansion.

BBC warned, "It has been found along the coasts of South Africa, Europe, Mozambique, and Australia, and recently, due to the effects of climate change, its habitat range is expanding to the American continent. If you discover this beautiful creature resembling a Pok?mon, never touch it."

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