More than likely. The ground around the banks of the river that runs through my grandfather's farm is loaded w/nitrogen from all the cow piles. I have even occasionally found them up away from the river around the barn while just digging for any kind of worm I could find. The nitrogen would explain the color and being underneath some kind of animal deffacation(sp.) would explain the strong smell. Makes you wonder about eating fish when they like to eat such nasty critters. lol Just kidding, my supper tonight included some of the stripers that my dad and grandpa caught on their guided trip @ C-land Tuesday. Boy was it good.