The state Department of Environmental Management released warnings on two fronts in the past week, first announcing that state beaches will be flying purple flags warning visitors of the presence of …
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The state Department of Environmental Management released warnings on two fronts in the past week, first announcing that state beaches will be flying purple flags warning visitors of the presence of the Portuguese Man O' War, a marine creature with a particularly aggressive sting.
Two swimmers were stung recently at Scarborough State Beach, and DEM marine biologists hypothesize that “a warm core ring has peeled off from the Gulf Stream and come close to the Rhode Island coast.” Combined with onshore winds from the southeast, this phenomenon has “brought in a slug of water that can contain all manner of interesting creatures."
Although referred to as a jellyfish, the Portuguese Man o’ War actually is a siphonophore, a colony of different organisms working together as one and specialized to live in the water column. It is a predatory species. It uses its feeding tentacles to sting and paralyze small fishes, crustaceans, and .other invertebrates.
DEM is cautioning swimmers to swim at their own risk and be vigilant. The tentacles of the man o’ war can grow to 30 feet and longer. If swimmers see something that looks like a balloon floating on top of the water, they should stay far away.
Fluorescent orange season in the woods
On land, the DEM is reminding people who use state management areas that deer season began Saturday, Sept. 12. Hikers, bike riders, horseback riders, and all other visitors must wear solid, daylight fluorescent orange when in state management areas and undeveloped state parks.
With COVID, more and more people are using state parks, wildlife management areas, and other outdoor spaces. Some may not be aware of the law to wear orange to prevent hunting accidents.
From Sept. 12 through February and from April 17 through May, except during the shotgun deer seasons in December when a minimum of 500 square inches is required, hunters and all other users of management areas and designated undeveloped state parks must wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange, such as a hat. During the shotgun deer seasons in December, a minimum of 500 square inches of solid, daylight fluorescent orange clothing – a hat and vest – is required.
For more information on hunting and associated regulations, visit www.dem.ri.gov.