More man-of-wars pop up on New Jersey’s beaches

Officials say more Portuguese man-of-wars are making their way onto New Jersey’s beaches.

NJ.com reports beachgoers discovered one of the dangerous creatures in Stone Harbor Sunday.

The first reported sighting was last week in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island and more have been found throughout southern New Jersey’s coastline. Surf City Councilman Peter Hartney says more than two dozen man-of-wars have washed up on his town’s beaches.

The man-of-war can pack a highly toxic and painful sting that in some cases can be life-threatening. It has tentacles that can grow as long as 30 feet.

Experts say the species is typically found in warm water and could have rode Gulf Stream currents up from Florida, where they are common.