TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Slimy blobs of algae like the ones that have polluted Ohio's largest inland lake are now being found in some small lakes and ponds. On Lake Erie, algae blooms are popping up in growing numbers earlier than in past years.



Researchers think it's because it has been hotter and rainier than usual and a sign of things to come.



Lake Erie has been plagued for years by blue-green algae, but now there's growing concern about smaller lakes following the discovery of a toxic algae that caused state regulators to warn people not to eat any fish or touch the water from Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio.



The discovery of algae in a lake at summer camp near Bellefontaine in western Ohio led camp organizers to ban swimming for two weeks after 15 children came down with rashes and stomach illnesses that officials suspect was linked to the alga.