Beach Alert! Sticky Black Blobs Spotted On South Padre Island in Texas

The 4th of July weekend is almost here. If you're planning to head to Texas beaches this weekend or this summer, be careful where you step, especially on Texas Best Beach, South Padre Island.

What Are Those Sticky Black Blobs on South Padre Island?

Beachgoers may find themselves stepping on gooey, sticky black blobs (tar balls) rather than a seashell. South Padre Island is being hit hard this summer with the natural tar balls that wash ashore on the sand about this time every year, leaving visitors frustrated.

According to a report from Padre Island National Seashore, at least 50 miles of South Beach to North Beach and Malaquite have been affected by the slimy tar balls. The tar balls are typically entangled with seaweed, manatee grass, and sargassum, which makes it even messier to deal with. Tar balls are also difficult to remove if you step on them, especially after the weather becomes hotter, as the tar balls become more gooey.

The Blob - Not From an Oil Spill!

According to the website Chron, this is not from an oil spill but rather from crude oil that seeps from the ocean floor. When ocean temperatures rise, it pushes the sticky black globs to the surface of the water. The tar balls are a natural phenomenon and are part of the ecosystem that occurs on the Gulf Coast during the summer months.

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Several visitors who make South Padre Island their summer destination have opted for other nearby seaside towns.. Experts suggest that if you happen to get tar balls stuck on your feet or any part of your body, the best way to clean the mess off is with baby oil or with soap and water. Over time, the tar balls will eventually break down and begin to melt under the Texas sun, waves, and wind. I can only imagine what it would be like trying to remove the sticky glob from your hair.

Other than the nuisance tar balls, South Padre Island is the perfect getaway with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and places to explore. Just be careful where you step this summer.