Unexpected phenomena can leave lasting impressions, and sometimes those surprises come from above. Instances of strange items falling from the sky have been documented throughout history, ranging from animals to meteorites. While some of these occurrences may have scientific explanations, others can be downright unsettling for those who witness them.
Animals Falling from the Sky
One of the more bizarre occurrences is the phenomenon of animal rain, where creatures such as fish and frogs descend from the sky. For instance, in June 2015, Virginia Beach resident Sue Bowser discovered a 13-inch dogfish shark in her backyard after a thunderstorm. This unusual event likely resulted from a predatory bird losing its grip while flying over land.
Fish have also been known to rain down in various locations. Notably, in 2021, Texarkana, Texas, experienced an unexpected fish fall. Experts suggest that waterspouts or strong winds could have plucked these fish from their aquatic habitats and sent them soaring inland. Similar occurrences have been reported in Tampico, Mexico, in 2017.
Frogs are no strangers to this phenomenon either. Historical records indicate numerous instances of frogs raining down, including events in Kansas City in 1873 and Marksville, Louisiana, in 1947. The likely culprits behind these amphibious rainfalls are waterspouts or tornadoes.
Money and Meteorites: Surprising Falls from Above
While animals falling from the sky may be unsettling, instances of money raining down can be both surprising and amusing. In 2018, a cargo plane in Siberia lost its precious load of gold bars when part of the cargo hatch was ripped open during takeoff. This resulted in approximately nine tons of gold scattering over an area of up to 26 kilometers (16.2 miles) from Yakutsk airport, leading to a frantic recovery effort by authorities. They managed to retrieve 172 gold bars, totaling around 3.75 tons, but the whereabouts of the remaining gold remain unknown.
Meteorites also provide a fascinating glimpse into what can fall from the sky. In 1969, a meteorite composed of 8% water fell in Murchison, Australia, capturing the attention of scientific researchers. The meteorite later became a critical subject of study due to the discovery of a new family of amino acids within it, leading to speculation about the origins of life.
In a more alarming incident, on June 26, 2025, a meteorite burst into pieces over Georgia, causing damage to homes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the event served as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with falling celestial objects.
In the realm of human experience, few stories are as extraordinary as that of Vesna Vulovic, an air stewardess who survived a fall from approximately 33,000 feet in 1972. The Yugoslav Airlines flight she was on experienced a bomb explosion, killing 27 of the 28 passengers and crew. Vulovic was trapped in the tail section of the plane, which landed in soft snow, allowing her to survive the fall.
Other Peculiar Rainfalls
The bizarre occurrences of falling objects do not end with animals and money. In 2014, residents of Zamora, Spain, witnessed what appeared to be blood raining down, resulting in widespread alarm. It was later determined that the red droplets were caused by the algae Haematococcus pluvialis, which can turn water red when stressed. Similarly, in India, red rain has been attributed to a lichen called Trentepohlia.
Another strange incident occurred in February 2022, when a dark, oily liquid rained down on an east Las Vegas neighborhood for three weeks. It was found to be “bee frass,” or bee waste, caused by local bees waking from hibernation and swarming.
The unsettling nature of these events often leaves onlookers in awe, if not outright fear. Reports of spiders raining down have also emerged, particularly in Australia. In 2021, Gippsland residents were met with a surreal sight after heavy winds and rain caused spiders to balloon across the landscape, leaving a blanket of silk behind.
These unusual occurrences remind us of the unpredictable nature of the world around us. Whether it is animals, money, or meteorites, the sky can often deliver surprises that defy logic and spark the imagination.
