SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — South Portland Parks and Recreation issued a warning Tuesday on social media alerting Hinckley Park visitors to toxic algae called cyanobacteria that are currently blooming in the park's ponds.
Cyanobacteria is a type of algae that can be extremely harmful to dogs if ingested, and can even result in death. Town officials ask visitors to stay out of the water and keep their dogs from swimming in the ponds or drinking the water while the bloom is active.
Signs will be posted at the park to remind visitors of the algae growth.
The bloom will most likely die off in the fall when temperatures drop.
Officials are also asking visitors to properly dispose of pet waste into trashcans because feces on the ground can contribute to algae bloom.