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Wild Wonders: Critter Encounters At Lake Of The Ozarks That Made 2024 Memorable

  • 2 min to read

Life in the Ozarks—and throughout Missouri—means sharing the land and waters with a diverse array of fascinating creatures.

From surprise visitors to record-breaking catches, 2024 brought some unforgettable critter encounters to the Lake of the Ozarks. 

Here's a look back at some of the moments that had everyone talking:

#1 Blob Invasion

These squishy, semi-transparent blobs are weirdly fascinating. They pop up midway through the summer and people inevitably post about them online.

#2 Roaming Black Bears

The Lake area spotted black bears roaming around this year, though one met an unfortunate end on Highway 5. 

#3 Mountain Lion Mystery

One woman said she saw a mountain lion prowling her Camdenton neighborhood, attributing its alleged presence to the lack of deer around her home.

#4 Crazy Catfish Catches

Two people made some unbelievable catches at Lake of the Ozarks, reeling in catfish over 60 pounds! This 7-year-old was immediately ready to do it again.

#5 World Record Spoonbill 

On his very first time snagging, this Kansas man caught a 164 lb paddlefish at the Lake. It set a new WORLD-record!

#6 Bald Eagle Rescue

America's mascot was found injured in a ditch by Mid-County firefighters on the way to an emergency. Sadly, the bald eagle died the next day from respiratory issues. 

#7 Jellyfish?

It's not a hoax. During the hot summer months, tiny freshwater jellyfish emerge in the Lake!

#8 Lost Peacock

A peacock wandered from its hobby farm to a random woman's deck. In short order, the owner's friend drove the rogue fowl back home. 

#9 Snakehead Surprise

An angler caught quite a surprise this summer below the Wappapello Lake Spillway: an invasive species of fish that looks like a snake, breathes air, and can move across the land. It's the fourth one found in the state. 

#10 Raccoons In The Hull

After sending out a newly serviced boat, a local shop got a phone call from a very angry, very panicked customer. Three baby trash-pandas had emerged from one of the compartments.

Honorable Mention

- Loose Horse In Town 

- Domenico's Bull (we know it's not real, but this story caused such a ruckus the "critter" had to be included)


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