Venomous Cownose Rays Return To Jersey Shore Waters
It’s that time of year here on the Jersey shore: sunshine, sand, swimming in the ocean. We’re into full on beach season with crowds headed to local beaches to cool off from the heat and humidity. But humans aren’t the only things in the water: Cownose Rays are back in our waters as their yearly migration takes them through the area. These interesting creatures have venomous spines that they can use in self defense. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What’s A Cownose Ray?
The Cownose is one of those “winged” sea creatures, related to manta rays. An adult Cownose grows to between 2 to 4 feet wide, measured wing tip to wing tip. They tend to glide through the water near the shoreline as they migrate up and down the east coast. They have wide eyes placed just off the tip of the animal and a long, black tail that has a sharp barb on it.
Cownose Rays have been mistaken for sharks by beach goers because the tips of it’s fins often stick out of the water. Their favorite food consists of clams and mussels and crabs on the ocean floor which they suck up into their mouths and crush with their odd plate-lined mouths. They don’t really have teeth, so can’t bite.
Are Cownose Rays Dangerous?
The short answer is: Not really. They do have a venomous barb on their long, black tail. The venom is not fatal to humans, however. And they generally don’t attack things with the venomous barb unless they are in danger. If threatened they would likely thrash their tail, using it like a whip. They could also sting, which, while venomous, feels more like a potent bee sting. It is not fatal.
Most people who get whipped or stung by a Cownose Ray are done so because they accidentally step on the creature as it swims or stops to look for food on the ocean floor. It’s best to keep an eye out as you go in and out of the ocean to cool off on these hot summer days.
This two-minute video can give you more insight:
