The UK could be facing an explosion in the numbers of killer stingrays.
![Stingray](/image-library/partners/bang/land/1000/s/stingray-aW1hZ2VzMS8yMDI0LzA3LzE4LzE3MjEyOTU3Nzdjcm9wcGVkMjE.jpg)
Stingray
The sea creatures - which are typically found in tropical areas - are starting to turn up more on the British coastline, and this summer the numbers are rising as they visit shallow and muddy bays on the hunt for food.
The British Sea Fishing website said: "It is perfectly possible that warming seas and other environmental factors will see stingray numbers increase in British waters over the coming years.
"Stingrays are most famous for the serrated, venomous stinger which is concealed in their tail.
“Once the point of the stinger pierces flesh the cells are torn open and release the venom inside of the victim.
“The venom then causes the wound to become inflamed and it can go on to cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea."
Attacks on humans are rare, although if a stinger hits the face or chest, they could cause a fatal injury, while 'Crocodile Hunter' star Steve Irwin died after being stung by a stingray in 2006.
However, the organisation explained that most attacks happen due to "divers provoking them" in some way.
They continued: "The vast majority of attacks are caused by divers provoking them or surprising or startling them by approaching from behind.
“Bathers can also be ‘attacked’ by stingrays if they accidentally step on one which has buried itself into sand."
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