These worms in Colorado’s Sulphur Cave are believed to live on the chemical energy in the sulfur in the cave, similar to deep-ocean tube worms. On the left are streamers—colonies of microorganisms similar to those in hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. PHOTOGRAPH BY NORMAN R. THOMPSON

We like the discovery of new species, and caves are cool too. And beneath Steamboat Springs in Colorado, USA, a cave full of noxious carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gas has harbored a new species of worm, as well as weird bacteria formations called snottites. Erika Engelhaupt reports for NatGeo’s Phenomena blog:

Lurking below the quaint ski town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, lies a cave belching deadly gases. Its ceiling is dotted with snottites, dangling blobs that look like thick mucus and drip sulfuric acid strong enough to burn holes through T-shirts. And the whole place is covered in slime.

So why would anyone want to go there?

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