No, That Blob Isn’t an Alien Egg—It’s a Bryozoan

When a large, jelly-like blob surfaced in an Oklahoma lake, locals were baffled. Some joked it looked like an alien egg pod,

and photos quickly spread online, fueling sci-fi rumors. But wildlife experts reassured the public:

the blob was no alien—it was a bryozoan, a colony of tiny aquatic creatures dating back over 470 million years.

Also known as “moss animals,” bryozoans live in freshwater lakes and rivers, clinging to submerged surfaces

like branches, docks, and rocks. They reproduce by cloning, forming gelatinous masses that can grow as large as basketballs.

Though their appearance may be strange, bryozoans are harmless and actually beneficial. “They’re a sign of clean,

healthy water,” officials explained. By filtering out microscopic particles like algae and bacteria, they help maintain aquatic ecosystems.

While common, bryozoans often surprise swimmers and boaters because they can appear seemingly overnight.

Their otherworldly look can be unsettling, but there’s no need to worry—they pose no threat to people.

Wildlife officials advise leaving the blobs undisturbed. They naturally disappear in colder months and return

with warm weather. So next time you see a slimy lake blob, don’t panic—it’s just a remarkable, ancient part of nature doing its quiet work.