Have you ever noticed tiny black dots moving amidst the snow and wondered if your eyes were playing tricks on you? We are here to tell you that this time, unfortunately, they are not, as those black dots are something called snow fleas, and they can be found right here in Colorado:

Nature has officially become even weirder and somewhat gross, as we just learned that snow fleas are both real and prevalent here in the Centennial State. 
Flickr/Tom Murray
According to the Farmers' Almanac, snow fleas (or springtails) look a lot like regular fleas thanks to their color and structure but are actually not parasites and virtually harmless.
Flickr/Robbie Sproule
Other similarities between your more traditional flea and a snow flea are that both can jump high, with a snow flea reaching several inches at a time with just one jump.
Flickr/mwms1916

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Have you ever noticed strange patches of dirt atop fresh and seemingly untouched snow? Keep your eyes peeled next time, as those are probably snow fleas, which produce their own personal anti-freeze that keeps them comfortable and protected while they feast on snow. 
Flickr/Christa R.
While they are more visible in the winter, snow fleas are year-round hexapods that live atop topsoil in the spring and summer, making them both blend in and harder to spot. 
Flickr/Trish Thornton
Fun fact: Not only are snow fleas virtually harmless but great for the environment, as they consume decaying organic matter in topsoil, in turn making it decay even faster! 
Flickr/Gilles San Martin
Have you noticed snow fleas in your part of Colorado? Let us know in the comments! 
Flickr/pverdonk

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more weird wintertime phenomena, check out Up To 200,000 White Geese Invade The City Of Lamar In Colorado Every Winter And It’s A Sight To Be Seen.

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