SOUTH PORTLAND (WGME) — Officials say toxic blue-green algae is blooming at Hinckley Park in South Portland. This algae has been known to kill dogs and make people sick.
South Portland Parks and Recreation says cyanobacteria is currently blooming in the Hinckley Park ponds.
This type of algae can be very harmful to dogs if it is ingested even resulting in death.
While the bloom is active, officials are warning people to stay out of the water and to keep dogs from drinking or swimming in the ponds. There are signs in the park to remind you of this when you visit.
The bloom typically lasts into the fall when temperatures start to fall, and then algae dies off.
Blue-green algae is a type of photosynthesizing bacteria called cyanobacteria. It exists in all Maine lakes but is harmless in low concentrations.
However, when the population of this bacteria explodes during an algal bloom it can sometimes produce toxins that, when ingested, can kill dogs, according to Scott Williams, executive director of the Lake Stewards of Maine. It can also harm humans.
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