Mysterious Pink Pond in Hawaii Reveals Bacterial Culprit

A pond at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii has turned bubble-gum pink, possibly due to drought and high salinity levels. Scientists suspect that halobacteria, a type of archaea that thrives in highly saline water, may be responsible for the color change. Lab tests ruled out toxic algae as the cause. The pond's color has attracted curious visitors, but officials warn against entering the water or consuming fish caught there until the source of the color is identified. The refuge provides habitat for endangered waterbirds and migratory birds.