Jellyfish With Hospitalizing Sting Found In Rhode Island

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — State environmental officials warned the public to watch out for dime-sized jellyfish with a sting powerful enough to send their victims to the hospital.

Clinging jellyfish were found in Potter Pond in South Kingstown and Ninigret Pond in Charlestown, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) tweeted Tuesday.

State wildlife experts said the jellyfish are hard to spot, because their bodies are mostly transparent. But they can be seen if you look out for an orange-brown cross on their bodes.

DEM officials urged swimmers, quahoggers and others in shallow water bodies to take precautions, especially if there's aquatic vegetation nearby. Precautions suggested included wearing boots, waders or wetsuits and staying away from vegetation.

"Although these jellies have the potential to sting, don’t let that stop you from enjoying beautiful coastal pond ecosystems + all the rec opportunities they offer!" DEM said in a tweet.

More tips on how to avoid clinging jellyfish and what to do if you're stung can be found in the DEM video here.