From a loose emu to surfing dog: Watch the biggest animal moments caught on video in 2024

Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY

December 17, 2024 at 10:59 p.m.·2 min read

A new year means more viral moments of animals being animals.

From Florida alligators and Oregon black bears to a Massachusetts great white shark, 2024 proved to be a big year for ferocious animal moments caught on camera.

Some viral videos involved more than one animal, like one the USA TODAY Network obtained in June showing a fearless bear fighting off two alligators in a Florida river. That same month, a viral video captured a heroic deer warning an Oregon homeowner that a bear was approaching.

Other videos are more heartwarming, like the massive Russian cat named Kroshik going from 38 pounds to 25 pounds following a weight-loss journey. In September, a strange video showcased a black bear walking on two legs in the mountains of West Virginia.

Whether gearing toward the wholesome, peculiar or straight up terrifying, here are some of the most memorable animal videos of 2024.

Alligator drags massive Burmese python through the water in Florida

Alligator missing tail roams around Florida neighborhood

Bear fights off two alligators while going for a swim in a Florida river

Beachgoer uses shovel to scare away hungry bear

Deer warns Oregon homeowner of an approaching bear in backyard

Black bear lunges at employee at Tennessee theme park concession stand

Two-legged bear seen on trail camera in Appalachian Mountains

Paraglider catches dog chasing birds on top of Great Pyramid of Giza

Pups take to water to catch waves before big competition

Overweight 38-pound kitty is on a health journey

Cat stays cool in a floating cooler as owner tows him from a kayak

Rodeo bulls escape their pen, plow through crowded parking lot

Loose emu wanders around Pennsylvania neighborhood

Two camels seen trotting around Ohio theme park

Hundreds of sea lions slide off embankment in California

Enchanting moment as killer whales breech water to hunt

Great white shark circles boaters, pops head out to inspect crew

Dolphins leap out of water near boat off California coast

Sharks feed on massive school of fish off Long Island shore

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch the best animal videos of 2024, from surfing pups to loose emu

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