In Florida, University researchers' preliminary laboratory tests show mysterious bacteria in Florida Lakes.
Researchers are unsure whether they are harmful to humans.
But the bacteria are a strong suspect in several alligator deaths in Lake Griffin over the past 2 years. The one-celled bacteria are also reported in Lakes Yale, Harris and Eustis. The deaths of about 150 alligators in Lake Griffin over the past 2 years may have been caused by toxic algae. Cylindrospermopsis spp , a green, slimy alga looks like harmless pond scum, but can release deadly toxins. The algae now cover almost all of Lake Griffin and have been found in 3 other Lake County lakes, a Seminole County lake and the St. Johns River.