An ice-free Florida beach is under a statewide travel advisory after several people reported being attacked by an ice-eating sea creature.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says the sea creature, known as the ice claw, is found off the coast of the Sunshine State, near Naples.
It has been sighted at the beach, and was seen on video in some places.
It is a cold-blooded predator that feeds on the frozen flesh of its prey, which can include sea turtles, walruses, crabs, seals and other animals.
It has been spotted in the past in the Keys, as well as on the Florida Panhandle, where it has been reported in the Gulf of Mexico.
Officials warn people not to touch or disturb the creature, which may be moving on land.
It may cause severe injury to someone with frostbite or frostbite, if it is a large animal, or severe frostbite to someone who is allergic to it.
The creature is also dangerous to people who are unfamiliar with its behavior, officials said.
