One of the world's most beautiful bodies of water is actually among its most dangerous, as one YouTuber uncovers the reason why this 'flesh-eating' lake appears to turn any animal that enters its waters into stone.
The world is full of stunning natural points of interest, and it's one of the main reasons why people are so motivated to explore every inch of Earth in search of further secrets.
YouTubers have discovered staggering caves that venture hundreds of feet under the ground, and complete 'cities' underwater have been spotted by scientists after their natural formation.
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Sometimes it's the most stunning areas that hold the biggest risk though, as the copious accidents at the Grand Canyon can attest to, and there's one lake in particular that has drawn attention both for its visual splendor and its alarming dangers.
Why is the lake so dangerous?
As reported by LADbible, Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is the lake in question, and while it's reddish pink waters are understandably appealing to the eye, it should also set off major alarm bells to stay away.
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Its surrounding area is brimming with wildlife despite warnings to tourists not to venture into the water, and it's close proximity to the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano adds an even bigger threat.
It's within the water itself that the dangers are most present, as the 56 kilometer-long lake is known to cause serious damage to the bodies of humans and animals alike, and has even turned countless animals into 'stone'.
What causes animals to turn into stone?
Key to the dangers of Lake Natron is the bacterium present in the water, which release deadly chemicals that cause significant damage to your cells, nervous system, and livers if you were to drink it.
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However, the salt and high alkaline pH content in the water is what causes the process of calcification, which many people liken to a body turning into stone.
This is combined with the extremely high temperature of the water, which is enough to cause third-degree burns, and while it is a quick death for humans and animals alike, your flesh and bones would effectively be frozen in place.
It's not perhaps as immediately deadly as you might expect though, as revealed by YouTuber Tayo Aina who went to visit Lake Natron. He was able to touch the water with his hand and suffer no immediate effects, although he does warn that you would suffer a far worse fate if you became exposed any further.
"Most people say Lake Natron is one of the most dangerous lakes in the world, they say it can turn you into stone, but apparently, I'm still human," Tayo explained while grazing his hand in the water.
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"So you don't turn into stone, but if you fell into the water by some weird mistake, your entire body would harden and be preserved, and if someone found you one hundred years later, you might still have your hair and organs intact, just like the Egyptian mummies."