Strange one-footed creatures scattered across the sand might sound like something from Netflix‘s hit show Stranger Things, but they are actually something much more innocent.
Hordes of otter shell clams were recently discovered along the shore of Dorset’s Studland Bay.
They have some similar features to the Lovecraftian beings in the popular series – with both boasting fleshy protruding interiors.
Otter shell clams are often oval in shape and typically live deep beneath the seabed, rarely ever seen by humans.
It is thought the recent stormy weather has led to the bizarre-looking clams being stirred up and brought to shore.
A spokesperson for National Trust Purbeck Countryside told What’s The Jam: ‘Stranger things on our shores. As well as a shipwreck, there have been some seriously strange things washing up on our beaches over the last few weeks.
‘But the weirdest must be the masses of otter shell clams.
‘These bivalves normally live buried deep beneath the seabed, using their siphons to filter plankton and algae from the water.
Hordes of otter shell clams were recently discovered along the shore of Dorset’s Studland Bay
They have some similar features to the Lovecraftian beings in the popular series – with both boasting fleshy protruding interiors
‘The recent easterly winds have whipped up waves powerful enough to scour the seabed and lift these creatures out of their hiding places.’
Sadly, most of the otter shell clams had passed away during the movement and many of the surviving are unlikely to live if returned to the sea.
The spokesperson continued: ‘Many were dead. We were advised that they are unlikely to survive even if returned to the sea.’
A Dorset Wildlife Trust marine expert estimated the clams to be around seven years old.
He calculated the age based on the growth rings on the exterior of the shell.
The last dramatic incident involving otter shell clams washing up in Dorset happened in 2018 and its thought the population has recovered since.
‘These events show just how rich in marine life the waters around Studland Bay are,’ the spokesperson adds.
‘No wonder so many birds spend the winter here.’
A spokesperson for National Trust Purbeck Countryside put the occurrence down to the stormy weather
It’s thought the recent storms have stirred up the bizarre-looking creatures
However, the loss of wildlife on the beach caused some upset and curiosity amongst locals.
One resident, Julie Goward said: ‘Sad to see, hope the numbers recover again.’
Lisa Roddis added: ‘Aghh wondered what they were called.’
Meanwhile, Stephen Cooper commented: ‘Oh that’s what they are – yes saw loads along the beach line.’
