A petshop i live near by in east lansing not a big chain just a small one. Um its a mix of few things, when i say wet i mean damp like you said if you press on it, it would leave your hand alittle wet but not stick to you like mud. Sadly i didnt find this site before i got my bp so i have a 75 gallon tank for him. Once i have some extra money plan to get a nice little rack system and what not. I havent been to concern he usually in his hide and he eats every week like a champ.