Beachgoers in picturesque Wellfleetâa Massachusetts beach town nestled on Cape Codâhave been disappointed several times this month by the errant bowels of marine mammals. The beach failed multiple water sample tests, which revealed high levels of the bacteria coliform, an indicator of unsanitary conditions. The culprit, according to CapeCod.com (spotted by the killer poop-dar of an Atlas Obscura reporter), is probably seals, who apparently canât stop pooping everywhere.
Coliform bacteria, including fecal coliform, isn't dangerous on its own, but indicates the likely presence of disease-related organisms. All area swimming beaches are tested weekly, and only Wellfleet failed this recent round of sampling. Itâs the first time itâs closed in years, according to the Cape Cod Times .
While scientists canât trace the fecal coliform back to a specific speciesâland mammals are just as likely to be responsible as sea mammals, since their poop can wash into the water after stormsâthey think that in this case, those cute seals are the poo-prit.
âWe do have seaweed that floats in and out and traps seal feces so it could be a function of seaweed plus seals,â Suzanne Grout Thomas, the beachâs administrator, told CapeCod.com.
âWhen it came down, it was fast and furious,â she told the Cape Cod Times of the recent rains, but the description could just as easily be about the animal poop that no doubt rushed down to the water in the process.
The beach passed its third test and opened back up on Tuesday (August 30), so it's safe to go back in the waterâat least for now.
[h/t Atlas Obscura ]
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