Out-of-place animals and first-of-their-kind catches: See unique encounters

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Take a look at some recent animal encounters:

Out-of-place creature found in pond in London for first time in 50 years. See it

In London, United Kingdom, a fishery employee discovered a rosy barb, a popular aquarium pet, in a pond at Golders Hill Park. This marked the first wild-caught example of the species in the UK since the 1970s. The fish is believed to have been released from an aquarium, highlighting the potential risks of introducing non-native species into the wild. | Published Sept. 2 | Read More |

‘Giant’ worm seen eating invasive species in Chile in first-of-its-kind sighting

In southern Chile, researchers observed a “giant” planarian, Polycladus gayi, preying on an invasive leopard slug at the Llancahue Nature Sanctuary. This first-of-its-kind sighting revealed the worm’s potential as a biological control for the invasive species. The discovery broadens the understanding of these remarkable invertebrates in Chile’s native forests. | Published Sept. 3 | Read More |

‘Cryptic’ creature caught by angler off Malta is first-of-its-kind catch. See it

Off the coast of Malta, a fisherman caught two diamond lizardfish, Synodus synodus, marking the first recorded sighting of this species in the Mediterranean waters. These fish, known for their cryptic behavior, were identified as a neonative species, expanding their range naturally. The discovery was part of the “Spot the Alien Fish” project, which promotes reporting non-native species in Maltese waters. | Published Sept. 3 | Read More |

Mammal feared extinct was recognized from Australian magazine. Now it’s thriving

In Queensland, Australia, the bridled nailtail wallaby, once thought extinct, was rediscovered on a property being cleared for cattle. The Queensland government protected the land, and now, over 1,000 miles away, 14 new wallabies have been recorded in Mallee Cliffs National Park. This marks a significant milestone in the recovery of this critically endangered species. | Published Sept. 4 | Read More |

Chance sighting during tiger survey leads to first-of-their-kind photos in India

During a tiger survey at Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary in India, researchers captured the first confirmed photos of smooth-coated otters in the area. The otters, a vulnerable species, were photographed in family groups near the sanctuary’s waterfront. This discovery emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect these at-risk otters in their natural habitat. | Published Sept. 4 | Read More |

This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 9:32 AM with the headline "Out-of-place animals and first-of-their-kind catches: See unique encounters."