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APR 21, 2015 5:37 AM PDT

A Big Blue Beach Party

WRITTEN BY: Brenda Kelley Kim

Beach-goers beware.
Blue-ish velella velella sea creatures have washed up in record numbers this week in Oregon

Millions of jellyfish are washing up on the shores of beaches in Washington and Oregon.
It is not unusual for the bluish-purple species called Velella velalla to turn up in the spring, but a sail fin on their body usually keeps them away from the shore. This spring, though, their sails were no match for the wind.

The species, also known as "purple sailor," has stinging cells that are not seriously harmful to humans, but the website for Oregon State warns it's best to avoid rubbing your eyes after touching them or walking barefoot through them on the beach.

(Source: Time.com)

About the Author

Brenda Kelley Kim

Bachelor's (BA/BS/Other)

I'm a writer living in the Boston area. My interests include cancer research, cardiology and neuroscience. I want to be part of using the Internet and social media to educate professionals and patients in a collaborative environment.