I Thought This Strange Creature on the Beach Was From Another World—Then I Learned the Terrifying Truth

Portuguese man o’ war, sea urchins, cone snails, pufferfish, blue-ringed octopuses, and sea snakes can all pose different dangers. The safest rule is simple: observe, don’t handle.

I still walk along the beach with Charlie, but now I keep him closer to me and carefully scan the sand near the water. The ocean is full of creatures that are beautiful,continue reading …