First-of-their-kind trail cam photos, ‘apex predators’ and 3 more wildlife stories
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.
Take a look at some recent animal encounters:
Rare leopards seen with prey in first-of-its-kind trail camera video in Oman
In the Dhofar mountains of Oman, trail cameras captured a rare and first-of-its-kind sighting of Arabian leopards preying on a rock hyrax. This footage provides a unique glimpse into the lives of these critically endangered predators, with fewer than 120 estimated to survive in the wild. Conservationists are encouraged by this sighting as they continue efforts to protect these leopards and their habitat. | Published Oct. 6 | Read More |
8 rare creatures found hidden on man in airport security, Thailand officials say
At Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, a man was caught trying to smuggle eight rare animals, including slow lorises and spiny turtles, hidden on his body. These animals are threatened by the illegal pet trade, and the man now faces charges related to wildlife trafficking. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of illicit wildlife trade in Southeast Asia. | Published Oct. 8 | Read More |
‘Apex predator’ makes rare appearance on trail camera in UAE mountains. See it
In the UAE’s Wadi Wurayah National Park, a trail camera captured footage of an Arabian caracal, marking the park’s first confirmed sighting of this iconic predator. The Arabian caracal is critically endangered in the UAE, with fewer than 250 mature individuals believed to survive in the wild. This sighting is considered a milestone for conservation efforts in the region. | Published Oct. 8 | Read More |
Massive ocean creature tangled in fishing gear. Then rescuers added more buoys
Off the coast of Sydney, a humpback whale became entangled in fishing gear during its migration to Antarctica. Rescuers used additional buoys to help the whale free itself from the entanglement, highlighting the dangers marine animals face from human activities. Humpback whales pass along the east coast of Australia during their annual migration. | Published Oct. 9 | Read More |
‘Surreal’ photos show four babies from ‘one of the rarest mammals’ in Australia
In New South Wales, Australia, conservationists were thrilled to spot seven young numbats, a rare marsupial species once locally extinct. These sightings offer hope for the future of numbats, as they indicate successful breeding in predator-free areas. The Australian Wildlife Conservancy continues to monitor and support the growth of numbat populations. | Published Oct. 9 | Read More |
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 1:57 PM with the headline "First-of-their-kind trail cam photos, ‘apex predators’ and 3 more wildlife stories."