Bizarre lake in Tanzania instantly turns animals that touch it into 'STONE'
Lake Natron is a blood red lake in Tanzania which is one of the deadliest in the world Edges near the lake are deadly for most animals which are at risk of salt encrustation Only bacteria - which turn the water red - can tolerate harsh conditions
The idea of a lake that instantly turns animals that touch it to stone may sound like a concept from Greek mythology.
But it's a reality in Tanzania, where animals live in fear of one of the world's deadliest lakes.
Lake Natron is a key breeding ground for less endangered flamingos, but the animals risk being frozen forever in its salt if they dare approach its shores.
Bacteria, which give the water its blood-red tone, are among the only organisms that can tolerate its average heat of 78°F (26°C), deadly salt concentration and alkalinity.
Bodies that fall into water quickly decompose while those that fall on its edge are "encrusted with salt" which "stays forever", according to ecologist David Harper of the University of Leicester.
The idea of a lake that instantly turns animals that touch it to stone may sound like a concept from Greek mythology.
But it's a reality in Tanzania, where animals live in fear of one of the world's deadliest lakes.
Lake Natron is a key breeding ground for less endangered flamingos, but the animals risk being frozen forever in its salt if they dare approach its shores.
Bacteria, which give the water its blood-red tone, are among the only organisms that can tolerate its average heat of 78°F (26°C), deadly salt concentration and alkalinity.
Bodies that fall into water quickly decompose while those that fall on its edge are "encrusted with salt" which "stays forever", according to ecologist David Harper of the University of Leicester.
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