Dangerous, Nightmare Creature is Washing Up On Texas Beaches

It seems like lately we've been hearing of a lot of dangerous sea creatures washing up on Texas shores -- blue dragons and man-o-war jellyfish come to mind first.

Now, there is another terrifying-looking creature beachgoers need to look out for!

Specialists are warning people of this creature

Some have called these creatures, "Your worst nightmare," according to My San Antonio. And let me tell you, they look very creepy! Even if I knew nothing about this creature, I'd probably give them a good look, but keep my distance.

The creatures look kind of like centipedes, but an aquatic version with even creepier appearances. Apparently, they have been washing up on logs with gooseneck barnacles on them. Which are suspected to have attracted the creatures.

Whatever you do, don't touch these guys. Even a little graze can leave your skin feeling like fire for hours after contact -- which is where the creature likely received the name fireworm.

According to the My San Antonio report, this pain is caused by the white bristle-looking things coming off the fireworm's sides. These contain neurotoxins and break off when touched.

Fireworms aren't only found in the Gulf of Mexico, but also in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Just be wary when at the beach

If you don't mess with the fireworms washed up on Texas beaches, then you'll be fine. However, I do REALLY hope no one encounters one of these guys while it's unseen in the water. I imagine that would be VERY painful.

To be quite honest, I don't even love to get into the water at Texas beaches due to not being able to see through the murky water. But many people love taking a dip in the ocean, so just be careful out there!

Use the rule of 'if you don't know what it is, don't touch it.' And that applies to any unusual thing you find on Texas beaches -- pretty (like blue dragons) or creepy (like fireworms).