A visit to Nefyn beach led to a rare encounter for Bethan Vaughan Davies, who spotted this octopus (pictured).

Bethan spotted it whilst walking across the beach on Sunday, 24 November.

Describing the find as “an amazing sight”, she said: “My passion for nature, wildlife and photography took me down to Nefyn beach on Sunday morning.

“I had an amazing encounter with an octopus which was waving its legs as I walked right up to it.

“The octopus was changing colour from bright red to a very pale pink. Even its eyes were changing colour; was an amazing sight.”

With the help of a passerby, the octopus was returned to the water.

Bethan said: “It was out of the water and was put on a large flat stone and put back in the water by a lovely gentleman walking his dog.

“I took as many photos as I could in poor light due to the thick clouds of this wonderful creature rarely seen by humans.

“I felt I was very lucky indeed.”

A spokesperson for North Wales Wildlife Trust said: “This is a curled octopus, also known as the lesser octopus. It has one row of suckers and has this incredible ability to change colour, they use ink to distract and escape from predators.”

“They are incredible creatures. During the day they tend to hide in small holes and crevices in an attempt to hide from prey and because they don’t have any bones they can mould and fit into tiny spaces.

“Back in 2017 dozens washed up on the shore in New Quay, Ceredigion and although it’s not clear why we do know that they are devoted mothers who will lay her eggs and guard them.

“During this time they will barely feed and may die soon after, if this coincides with a big storm they may accidentally find their way onto the beach in large numbers.”