Beachgoers along the Texas Gulf Coast are urged to exercise caution after venomous fireworms, also known as bristle worms, have been spotted washing ashore.
The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies has posted an alert on social media, drawing attention to the dangerous creatures that have been most recently found on Corpus Christi’s beaches.
The fireworms themselves are covered in tiny, needle-like bristles filled with neurotoxins. These bristles can inflict a painful sting, leading to a burning sensation that may last for several hours, according to experts. The pain can persist for weeks, depending on the location and severity of the sting.
The bristles, when touched, can break off and embed toxins in the skin. The National Park Service (NPS) advises beachgoers to use adhesive tape to remove any bristles that may become embedded in the skin.
In a Facebook post, the Harte Research Institute (HRI) warned of the creatures’ presence with a dramatic message: “WARNING!!! Your worst nightmares are washing up right now in the form of fireworms!”
The post detailed how the venomous spikes can cause severe pain and skin sensitivity for beachgoers who may not even see the creatures initially.
“We’ve found a few of these marine polychaetes, sometimes called bristle worms, washing up over the past couple of days on large logs. The logs these were found on had gooseneck barnacles all over them, which might have been what the worms were feeding on,” HRI added.
The fireworms, which are not new to the Gulf of Mexico, have also been found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. However, their recent appearance has elicited reminders to avoid the creatures if found along the beach.