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Kentucky Meat Shower

Chunks of meat fell from a clear sky over a 100-yard area. Two men tasted it—they said mutton or venison. Analysis found lung, muscle, and cartilage. Probably vulture vomit. But from a clear sky?

March 9, 1876
Bath County, Kentucky, USA
2+ witnesses

The Kentucky Meat Shower is America’s strangest weather event.

The Event

March 9, 1876:

  • Bath County, Kentucky
  • Clear sunny sky
  • Meat chunks fell
  • Mrs. Allen Crouch witnessed
  • 100-yard area

The Meat

What was it:

  • Various sizes
  • 2-4 inches mostly
  • Fresh appearance
  • Red meat
  • Different textures

The Tasting

Yes, they ate it:

  • Two men tried it
  • Described as mutton
  • Or venison
  • Scientific spirit
  • Or hunger

The Analysis

Laboratory findings:

  • Lung tissue
  • Muscle tissue
  • Cartilage
  • Multiple animals?
  • Or one creature

The Theory

Best explanation:

  • Vultures
  • Projectile vomiting
  • While flying over
  • Group of them
  • Dropped their meals

The Problem

Questions remain:

  • Clear sky reported
  • No birds seen
  • 100-yard spread
  • Consistent chunks
  • Coordinated vomiting?

Sources

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