Orange, California - Videos of marine scientists cuddling with enormous sea slugs have TikTokers delighted and disturbed in equal measure!

Scientists from Chapman University shared videos of student researchers holding odd-looking animals called Aplysia on TikTok. The black blobs are also known as sea hares.

"The student researchers have anthropomorphized the Aplysia a bit because they seem to be friendly and are curious about us," Dr. Richelle Tanner, an assistant professor at Chapman University, told The Dodo.

Tanner said the students know how to handle the animals and don't keep the intertidal critters out of the water for long.

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Sea hares announce their discomfort by leaking ink or mucus, but Tanner added that the students usually put them down before there are any stress messes.

While the researchers might be smitten with the big slugs, TikTokers aren't so sure, with some commenters reacting with revulsion to the supersized slugs.

Aplysia are found worldwide, but the specimens investigated by Chapman University's scientists are native to California shores. They are some of the largest sea slugs in the world and can weigh up to 35 pounds.

"It seems to be polarizing – people either love it or are disgusted by it," Dr. Tanner said. "We are just happy that there seems to be quite a few people that want to learn more, which we are happy to help with."