A giant sea creature that washed up on the Maine shore has fascinated beachgoers, but city officials have a strict warning for if you encounter one. “Don’t touch it! They sting,” the City of South Portland said June 23 of the lion’s mane jellyfish, which was spotted at Willard Beach.

Jellyfish are common in Maine year round, but there are efforts to learn more about them and potential changing populations and patterns.

Lion’s mane jellies are common in Maine, with reports in recent years of a growing population in Maine waters.