What is a tar pit? Can it burn? Would it be dangerous if you where to come upon one?

[wiwisdom@ameritechenet]

Writing a story and need a little information. I'm assuming it would also capture animals that had fallen in. Wondering...is it like quick sand?

 

[ElliottT]

tar pits are there forever cant be burned and very dangerous, its impossible to get out of them if you get stuck in one