A lake in Hawaii has acquired the color of Barbie – it has become pink. Scientists say that the unusual phenomenon may be caused by drought, and warn people not to enter the lake or drink the pink water, writes AP News.

The water in the lake in Hawaii turned pink Photo: video shooting

From the end of October, specialists began to monitor the lake, which is located in a protected area for wild animals.

Laboratory studies show that it was not algae that affected the color of the water in the lake, but a bacterium called “halobacteria” may have caused the unusual color of the water. However, specialists need to continue the examination to determine the exact cause. And the drought in this area could have contributed to the pink color of the water in the lake, experts say.

In addition, the water in the lake has twice as much salinity as the sea water.

True, there was a drought here before, but so far experts have not noticed that the water in the lake has changed its color.

The lake became a tourist attraction after photos of the pink water started circulating online.

As a wildlife refuge, people should not enter the lake or leave their pets in the water, regardless of its color. But officials are now further urging visitors not to enter the water or eat fish caught there, as the source of the color has yet to be determined.