In March 2024, boaters at McGee Creek Reservoir in Atoka County, Oklahoma, spotted unexpected jelly-like masses hanging from submerged tree limbs. What looked like eerie, alien structures turned out to be quite the opposite—an ordinary part of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) clarified that these blobs are actually bryozoans, also known as moss animals. Bryozoans are small, colonial creatures—each group made up of tiny individuals called zooids. Their gelatinous appearance comes from a chitin shell that feels soft underwater and hardens when dry. These colonies can reproduce rapidly, forming large clusters in ideal conditions.
Although their shape may resemble sci-fi props, bryozoans are harmless to humans and wildlife. They play a vital role in the environment by filtering water—removing bacteria and tiny particles—and aiding in overall water clarity. In addition, they serve as a natural food source for fish, snails, and mussels. Because they thrive in clean water, their presence is actually a positive sign of a well-balanced ecosystem.
Fossil records suggest bryozoans have existed for around 470 million years, making them among the oldest survivors in the natural world. So next time you encounter these strange formations beneath the surface, remember—they’re not from another planet; they’re a fascinating and beneficial part of nature.