Quick Okinawa Info
Harmful Creatures |
Updated on : March 31, 2005 |
Just being aware and using a little caution will keep you closer to safety and away from harm.
Various creatures live amidst Okinawa's beautiful nature. Some of these use poison to protect themselves from predators. To avoid the poison and the rash or inflammation that often accompanies it, it is best to give these creatures a wide berth. There is very little danger from these animals unless they are attacked or cornered. So please avoid touching or otherwise disturbing living things, even if their novelty attracts your curiosity.
One particularly harmful sea creature found in Okinawa's coastal waters is the Habu Kurage (box jellyfish). These will generally be encountered in water less than two meters deep, with the peak season being July to August. With a bluish tint and nearly transparent, they swim fast, are difficult to see, and enjoy shallow and quiet spots which means that they can be a problem even close to the beach. The sting of their tentacles is extremely painful and will leave welts and a strong itching sensation. Occasionally, victims will suffer breathing difficulties and muscle spasms, and if the affected area is large hospital treatment may be required. If you get stung, wipe off the tentacles, swab the affected area liberally with vinegar and ice it down.
Other creatures to beware of in the ocean include the poisonous Gankaze sea urchin with its long, poisonous spines, and the Iijima sea urchin. The spotted Madara Umihebi sea snake carries nerve poison. The ring-patterned Hyoumon-dako octopus, with pretty blue spots, should be avoided. The lionfish Minokasago has poison in its dorsal and breast fins. Reportedly, the sea anemone Unbachi Isoginchaku and Okoze stonefish can leave a nasty sting.
On land, the thing to watch out for is Okinawa's Habu snake, a viper with a triangular head and sharp eyes that carries deadly poison in its fangs. The Habu can spring and attack over a distance two-thirds of its length, so staying out of reach will prevent a bite. Habu snakes hide in thickets and in the crevices of stone walls, but you'll never know when you might be approached by one. If you do encounter one, back away slowly, do not break and run. If you are bitten suck out the venom, apply a tourniquet as near the heart as possible, and get to the closest hospital immediately.
Of course, avoid bees and other insects that sting, and also be aware that some plants are poisonous. The white and pink flowering oleander often planted along the fence lines of American bases have strong toxicity. Do not touch eyes or mouth with their juice on your hands and avoid eating its berries or touching the sap.
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