In early spring, visitors and boaters at McGee Creek Reservoir in Atoka County, Oklahoma, began noticing something unusual beneath the calm surface of the water. Hanging from submerged tree branches and partially hidden among underwater structures were strange, gelatinous masses that looked both fascinating and unsettling. These formations appeared soft, translucent, and oddly shaped, sparking curiosity and concern among those who encountered them. Some observers compared the sight to scenes from science fiction films, while others worried that the blobs might be harmful or invasive.
Despite their eerie appearance, these mysterious underwater growths were not dangerous, nor were they signs of pollution or contamination. Instead, they were a natural and beneficial part of the lake’s ecosystem. Wildlife experts soon stepped in to explain that the jelly-like clusters were colonies of bryozoans—tiny aquatic animals that play a surprisingly important role in freshwater environments.
First Impressions and Public Curiosity
When people encounter unfamiliar natural phenomena, especially in places they regularly visit, it is common for questions and speculation to arise. The unusual blobs in McGee Creek Reservoir quickly became a topic of discussion among boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Photos and videos circulated online, with many wondering whether the formations were algae, fish eggs, or even invasive species.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) received multiple inquiries regarding these strange growths. In response, wildlife biologists provided clear explanations to reassure the public and educate them about what they were seeing. Their clarification helped transform confusion into appreciation for a remarkable group of organisms that often go unnoticed.
What Are Bryozoans?
Bryozoans, often referred to as “moss animals,” are small aquatic invertebrates that live in colonies. While individual bryozoans—called zooids—are microscopic, they work together to form large, visible structures that can sometimes reach the size of a basketball or larger. These colonies are what people observed hanging from submerged branches in the reservoir.
Each zooid within a colony is a tiny filter-feeding animal equipped with specialized structures used to capture microscopic food particles from the water. When thousands of these zooids live together, they create the gelatinous mass that becomes visible to the human eye. The colonies are enclosed in a protective outer layer composed largely of chitin, a natural substance also found in the shells of insects and crustaceans.
Texture and Appearance
Underwater, bryozoan colonies appear soft and jelly-like, often described as spongy or rubbery. Their semi-transparent surface allows light to pass through, giving them an otherworldly glow when viewed beneath the water. This unique appearance is one of the reasons people often mistake them for something unnatural or artificial.
When bryozoans are removed from the water or exposed to air for extended periods, their outer layer dries out. As this happens, the once-soft structure becomes firm and brittle. This transformation can make the colonies look even stranger, reinforcing misconceptions about their nature.
Where Bryozoans Are Commonly Found
Bryozoans can be found in a wide variety of freshwater habitats, including lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. They typically attach themselves to solid underwater surfaces such as tree limbs, rocks, docks, and aquatic vegetation. Areas with slow-moving or still water are especially suitable for their growth.
McGee Creek Reservoir provides ideal conditions for bryozoans, including clean water, sufficient nutrients, and stable surfaces for attachment. When environmental conditions are favorable, bryozoans can grow rapidly and form large colonies over a relatively short period of time.
Rapid Growth and Seasonal Appearance
Bryozoans are capable of reproducing quickly, particularly during warmer months when water temperatures rise and food sources are abundant. This rapid growth can make their sudden appearance seem alarming to those unfamiliar with them.
However, their presence is often seasonal. As temperatures drop or conditions change, colonies may shrink, break apart, or disappear altogether. This cycle is a natural part of their life process and does not indicate any problem with the ecosystem.
Are Bryozoans Dangerous?
One of the most common concerns people have when encountering bryozoans is whether they pose a threat to humans, pets, or wildlife. The answer is reassuring: bryozoans are completely harmless. They do not bite, sting, or release toxins, and they have no negative impact on swimmers or boaters.
In fact, bryozoans are beneficial to both aquatic life and water quality. Their role as filter feeders allows them to remove microscopic particles from the water, contributing to cleaner and clearer conditions.
Natural Water Filtration
Bryozoans feed by filtering water through their tiny feeding structures. As water passes through the colony, bacteria, algae, and organic debris are captured and consumed. This process helps reduce excess nutrients and suspended particles, improving overall water clarity.
In ecosystems where bryozoans are abundant, their filtration activity can have a noticeable positive effect. Clearer water allows sunlight to penetrate deeper, supporting healthy aquatic plants and promoting balanced ecosystem dynamics.
Supporting the Aquatic Food Web
In addition to their filtration role, bryozoans serve as an important food source for other aquatic organisms. Fish, snails, mussels, and certain invertebrates feed on bryozoan colonies, making them an integral part of the food chain.
By supporting a variety of species, bryozoans help maintain biodiversity within freshwater habitats. A diverse ecosystem is generally more resilient to environmental changes and better equipped to recover from disturbances.
Indicators of Water Quality
One of the most important characteristics of bryozoans is their sensitivity to environmental conditions. These organisms thrive only in relatively clean, well-oxygenated water. They are unlikely to survive in heavily polluted or degraded environments.
Because of this sensitivity, the presence of bryozoans is often considered a positive indicator of good water quality. Their appearance in McGee Creek Reservoir suggests that the lake’s ecosystem is healthy and well-balanced.
A Long Evolutionary History
Bryozoans are not a recent addition to Earth’s ecosystems. Fossil records indicate that they have existed for approximately 470 million years. This long evolutionary history makes them some of the oldest multicellular organisms still living today.
Over millions of years, bryozoans have adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions, from ancient seas to modern freshwater systems. Their continued survival speaks to their resilience and ecological importance.
Freshwater vs. Marine Bryozoans
While many people associate bryozoans with freshwater environments, it is worth noting that the majority of bryozoan species actually live in marine habitats. Ocean-dwelling bryozoans often form hard, coral-like structures and contribute to reef ecosystems.
Freshwater bryozoans, like those found in McGee Creek Reservoir, tend to have softer, gelatinous colonies. Despite these differences, both marine and freshwater bryozoans share similar feeding behaviors and colonial structures.
Why Bryozoans Are Often Misunderstood
The unfamiliar appearance of bryozoans makes them easy to misunderstand. Because they are not commonly discussed in basic biology education, many people have never heard of them until they encounter them in the wild.
This lack of awareness can lead to unnecessary fear or assumptions that the organisms are invasive or harmful. Educational outreach by wildlife agencies helps bridge this knowledge gap and encourages appreciation rather than concern.
Human Impact and Environmental Balance
Human activity can greatly influence the conditions that allow bryozoans to thrive. Clean water practices, responsible land use, and pollution control all contribute to maintaining habitats where these organisms can exist.
Conversely, excessive nutrient runoff, chemical contamination, and habitat destruction can reduce bryozoan populations. Their decline may serve as an early warning sign of deteriorating water quality.
Observing Bryozoans Responsibly
For those interested in observing bryozoans up close, it is important to do so responsibly. Avoid removing colonies from their natural environment, as this can disrupt the ecosystem and harm the organisms.
If you encounter bryozoans while boating or swimming, it is best to leave them undisturbed and appreciate them as part of the natural landscape. Photography and observation are excellent ways to learn more without causing harm.
Educational Value and Scientific Interest
Bryozoans offer valuable opportunities for scientific research and education. Their complex colonial structure, feeding mechanisms, and reproductive strategies make them fascinating subjects for biologists and ecologists.
Studying bryozoans can provide insights into water quality, ecosystem health, and evolutionary biology. They also serve as excellent examples of how small organisms can have a significant impact on their environment.
Seasonal Changes and Natural Cycles
The appearance and disappearance of bryozoan colonies are part of natural seasonal cycles. Warmer temperatures and increased food availability promote growth, while colder conditions slow their activity.
Understanding these cycles helps reduce unnecessary concern when colonies suddenly appear or vanish. Nature operates on rhythms that may not always align with human expectations.
Public Awareness and Conservation Efforts
Raising awareness about bryozoans and other lesser-known organisms is an important aspect of conservation. When people understand the role these creatures play, they are more likely to support efforts to protect aquatic habitats.
Educational programs, informational signage, and online resources all contribute to a more informed public and healthier ecosystems.
Appreciating Nature’s Hidden Wonders
The discovery of bryozoan colonies in McGee Creek Reservoir serves as a reminder that nature is full of hidden wonders. Many remarkable organisms live just beneath the surface, quietly performing essential functions that support life as we know it.
What may initially appear strange or unsettling often turns out to be a vital part of a complex and beautiful system. Learning about these organisms helps foster respect and curiosity rather than fear.
Conclusion
The jelly-like formations spotted beneath the waters of McGee Creek Reservoir are not signs of danger or pollution, but rather evidence of a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Bryozoans, with their ancient origins and important ecological roles, are a testament to the resilience and complexity of life in freshwater environments.
By filtering water, supporting food webs, and indicating good water quality, bryozoans contribute significantly to the health of lakes and reservoirs. Their presence is a positive sign and an opportunity for education and appreciation.
The next time you encounter these unusual underwater structures, take a moment to consider the millions of tiny organisms working together within each colony. Far from being alien invaders, bryozoans are longtime residents of Earth’s waters, quietly supporting ecosystems and reminding us of the intricate connections that sustain life.