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Rare animal encounters that made headlines in Washington state

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

In Washington, wildlife enthusiasts responded to sightings of a rare blue northern leopard frog not seen in years, highlighting the fragility of endangered species. Elsewhere, a mother orca potentially introduced a new calf to an embattled population of Southern Resident whales. An escaped Argentine tegu mistaken for a more menacing reptile and the relocation of a rescued kinkajou illustrated the complex interplay of animal behavior, human interaction, and environmental stewardship.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

A blue northern leopard frog was found in water (not pictured) in Grant County, Washington, officials said. The discovery was rare.

NO. 1: RARE CREATURE — WITH ‘STRIKING’ BLUE COLOR — SEEN IN WASHINGTON FOR FIRST TIME IN YEARS

It was an “extremely rare sight,” wildlife officials said. | Published June 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

Despite its name, the European green crabs distinguishing feature is not its color, but the five spines to the outside of the eye on the shell. By Emily Grason

NO. 2: ONE OF THE WORST INVASIVE SPECIES THREATENS WA WATERS. HERE’S WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE IT

There’s a hotline that beachgoers can call if they find one of the creatures. | Published July 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Carly Vester

Law enforcement received an animal control complaint about a large reptile roaming the woods of Washington and warned the public. A property owner captured a photo of the animal.

NO. 3: 10-FOOT GATOR REPORTED IN WASHINGTON TURNS OUT TO BE SMALL — AND ‘FRIENDLY’ — CREATURE

“He’s a good tiny dinosaur.” | Published July 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Olivia Lloyd

A kinkajou found at a rest stop near Yakima is in quarantine at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Photo taken in June 2024. By Katie G. Cotterill

NO. 4: TACOMA WAVES GOODBYE TO ‘HONEY BEAR’ FOUND AT YAKIMA REST STOP. LEARN WHERE HE’S HEADED

The young kinkajou was discovered June 23 in Yakima, where it was photographed lounging on a road sign. | Published September 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by scarter@thenewstribune.comSimone Carter

A baby sea creature was spotted swimming with its mom in Puget Sound in Washington, photos show.

NO. 5: BABY SEA CREATURE SPOTTED SWIMMING WITH POTENTIAL MOM OFF WA. SEE ADORABLE PHOTO

“Good luck little one…you are coming into a tough world.” | Published December 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by bbaitinger@mcclatchy.comBrooke Baitinger

Tourist with hiking boots walking in forest. Waterproof leather ankle boot

NO. 6: ‘AGGRESSIVE’ OWL DIVE-BOMBS VISITORS AT REGIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON AUTHORITIES WARN

Owls can be territorial if their nests are disturbed, experts say. | Published January 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Don Sweeney

The Tacoma zoo welcomed the birth of a new animal on Feb. 2.

NO. 7: THIS FUZZY RARE CREATURE IS UPLIFTING VIEWERS WITH HER ‘CUTE ANTICS,’ WA VIDEO SHOWS

“They are the strangest looking things, but she is utterly adorable.” | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.