Jersey is being taken over by aliens - according to Facebook

Tuesday 14 March 2023

Nature is an odd thing, and can often take some unearthly forms. A short scroll through the Facebook Group Jersey Wildlife confirms this point - and then some.

For instance, consider this particularly cosmic specimen:

Pictured: God knows what. (Nick Parlett) 

My immediate reaction, was a mixture of confusion, revulsion and a creeping sense of horror. Anything which cannot safely be described as animal, mineral or vegetable has a tendency to do that to me.

Not only does it look like living, breathing mucus, but it also appears to be consuming the local flora. How charming.

After wondering if it would reach out and grab me if I got near, a quick Google confirmed that there was nothing alien about this seemingly all-consuming orange ooze after all.

Supposedly, the sap that leaks from a wound in a hardwood tree can be colonised by a fungus called Fusicolla Merismoides. It is completely harmless, causes no damage whatsoever to the tree, and is bright orange. 

Once I discovered the truth of the orange ooze, I felt more than able to relax, safe in the knowledge that I had gotten my share of other-worldly slime for the day.

That is, until I scrolled down on the page:

Pictured: Snakelocks anemones out of water, low tide in Grouville Bay. (Nick Parlett) 

I have since decided never to leave my house again.

GET INVOLVED...

In all seriousness, Jersey Wildlife is a wonderful place to learn about all the weird and wonderful creatures - and the 'usual' ones too - that call our island home.

You can join up by clicking HERE.

If you manage to snap something unusual out in the wild, don't hesitate to email in at editor@bailiwickexpress.com.