Overview

• A nearly five-foot-wide lion’s mane jellyfish appeared at Willard Beach in South Portland over the weekend, one of the largest specimens recorded locally this year.
• South Portland city officials urged swimmers to observe the species from a safe distance and to notify lifeguards if one washes ashore to facilitate its return.
• Ipswich police in Massachusetts issued a warning on Monday after receiving multiple reports of lion’s mane jellyfish in their waters.
• Marine experts link the increased frequency and size of sightings to warmer coastal waters and abundant plankton feeding conditions.
• Although the sting can cause pain lasting up to five hours, biologists emphasize it is not life-threatening despite tentacles that may extend over 100 feet.