Florida beachgoers have seen sea stars show up by the dozens in recent weeks off the coast of Naples.
Multiple news outlets report the sea creatures, technically called nine-armed sea stars, are appearing in the waters under the Naples pier. Sea stars look like starfish and can grow up to 16 inches in diameter.
Local residents say they started seeing the sea stars last week.
Mike Bauer, the City of Naples Natural Resources Director says he's never seen sea stars appear in such large numbers. He suspects recent storms and heavy rain has lowered the salinity of the Gulf of Mexico and made the sea stars move into the area.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
