[bloodrayne]

Park Officials Baffled By Black Ooze

Canada - A mysterious ooze on the shore of Regina's Wascana Lake has officials warning the public to stay away.

Van Isman, spokesman for the Wascana Centre Authority, which controls the park, said he doesn't know exactly what the substance is or if it's toxic or how much of it has entered the lake.

The asphalt-like black substance has been found on the north shore near the Science Centre, and officials believe it entered the lake through the city's storm sewer system.

Isman said he first learned of the substance when a dog owner complained that his pet was covered in it after a visit to the park.

At first, until the lake level dropped over the weekend, it was believed to be a small, isolated problem, Isman said.

"We saw that there was more of this material out there than what we had thought initially," he said.

"We've taken action to try and contain it from spreading further and find the source of the problem and deal with the appropriate environmental agencies."

The Wascana Centre Authority hopes to have some answers after officials look into it Tuesday.