physalie

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Massive strandings of the venomous Portuguese man o' war, or physalie, occurred on beaches in southwestern France, causing concern among beachgoers.

Large numbers of physalie, known as Portuguese man o' war, have washed ashore on beaches along the Landes, Basque Country, and Gironde coasts in southwestern France. These jellyfish-like marine animals are venomous and can envenom multiple people. Authorities and coastal rescuers warn beach visitors not to touch them, even when dead, and debunk myths such as urinating on stings.