Mystery ooze removed in Queens.

From NY Daily News:

A caustic tarlike substance blamed for burning a dog in Queens on Monday was removed by firefighters yesterday.

Douglaston residents had a minor scare after the hazardous substance was reported by residents, prompting firefighters and Department of Environmental Protection workers to descend on Alameda Ave., haz-mat suits and all.

Officials said the black substance, which was discovered at the base of a tree outside a single-family home, burned a dog on Monday, but no additional information was available.

"I have a dog. I'm concerned," said neighborhood resident Dan Blanda, 50. "If they found something, they should share it with the people that live here."

A city official speculated the substance could be tree poison, but a full investigation was ongoing.