What's the Most Unique Animal Encounter You've Ever Had?

I’d love to hear about your most memorable or unique animal encounters. Whether it’s an unexpected meeting with wildlife, a strange pet story, or something unbelievable, share your stories!

A friend of a friend was an animal trainer for the movies. He had his well-trained orangutan with him during a visit, and while taking photos, the orangutan unexpectedly kissed me on the lips! It was a hilarious moment that everyone, including the orangutan, seemed to enjoy immensely.

@Milo
I once came face to face with a 10-foot tall grizzly bear while hunting in Alaska. It was a heart-stopping moment that ended peacefully, thankfully.

Arlo said:
@Milo
I once came face to face with a 10-foot tall grizzly bear while hunting in Alaska. It was a heart-stopping moment that ended peacefully, thankfully.

That sounds intense! Can you share more details about the encounter?

@Ben
Sure, my brother and I were carrying back game from a hunt when we encountered the bear in a clearing. It approached us closely before thankfully deciding to walk away. That night, it came back and took some of our provisions.

As a child, I saved a yellow finch from our cat. I managed to protect the bird with my hands until it recovered and flew away. It felt like a moment straight out of a Disney movie!

Ronald said:
As a child, I saved a yellow finch from our cat. I managed to protect the bird with my hands until it recovered and flew away. It felt like a moment straight out of a Disney movie!

My foster dog has a strong prey drive too, especially towards squirrels!

I rescued a baby duck from a storm drain and cared for it until it sadly passed away a week later. It was a bittersweet experience.

Foster said:
I rescued a baby duck from a storm drain and cared for it until it sadly passed away a week later. It was a bittersweet experience.

That’s so touching. Was it able to reunite with its mother?

@Ben
Unfortunately, no. The mother duck was nowhere to be found, and despite my efforts, the little one didn’t make it.

I once had a raccoon cleverly steal a sandwich from me at a state park. It was both amusing and impressive!

A king parrot used to visit and knock on my window, sometimes just hanging out and chirping contentedly. It often felt like a visit from a friend.

On our honeymoon in Costa Rica, we saw giant sea turtles laying eggs on a beach at night, followed by an encounter with an enormous butterfly the next day. Both experiences were utterly magical.

Once, I encountered a black bear going through the trash near my home. We both paused, acknowledged each other’s presence, and then respectfully went about our business.

Zephyr said:
Once, I encountered a black bear going through the trash near my home. We both paused, acknowledged each other’s presence, and then respectfully went about our business.

That’s a great story! Who ended up telling your wife about the cigarette?

I once helped two seagulls that were stuck together by a fishing lure. It was a chaotic but fulfilling rescue.

Sage said:
I once helped two seagulls that were stuck together by a fishing lure. It was a chaotic but fulfilling rescue.

Thank you for your kindness.

I used to feed squirrels at my place, and one morning my husband did it for me. He was stunned to see a ‘squirrel hoard’ waiting for the food!

Theresa1 said:
I used to feed squirrels at my place, and one morning my husband did it for me. He was stunned to see a ‘squirrel hoard’ waiting for the food!

Reminds me of feeding chipmunks and squirrels at my grandma’s cabin. They were so tame they would climb all over me!

@Know
Sounds like she was quite meticulous, even redoing dishes at night!