Raining Animals Phenomena

Throughout recorded history, animals have fallen from the sky in seemingly impossible events. Fish, frogs, worms, spiders, and even larger creatures have rained down on bewildered witnesses worldwide.

Notable Cases

In 1794, French soldiers reported toads falling during a rainstorm. In 1877, several tons of snakes fell on Memphis, Tennessee. In 2010, fish fell on Lajamanu, Australia, 200 miles from the nearest body of water. Each year brings new reports.

The Scientific Explanation

Meteorologists attribute animal rain to waterspouts and tornadoes that suck up creatures and deposit them elsewhere. This explains many cases but not all. Sometimes animals fall from clear skies. Often only one species falls, when natural explanations would predict mixed debris.

The Anomalies

Some events defy the waterspout theory. In 1887, worms fell on a localized area of West Virginia for hours. In many cases, falling fish are alive and species are consistent, suggesting something more selective than random tornado pickup.

Historical Records

Ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder documented animal rains. The Bible describes plagues of frogs. Ancient Chinese records mention fish and shrimp falling from the sky. The phenomenon is as old as recorded history.

Assessment

While waterspouts explain some animal rains, the selectivity and circumstances of many events remain puzzling. The phenomenon continues to occur worldwide, reminding us that nature holds mysteries we do not fully understand.