At a Glance
- LAX seized 37 live beetles in Japanese snack packages.
- A 20-ft python found atop a dumpster in downtown LA.
- A Compton Ring camera captured an alien-like figure on a porch.
- Other oddities included a tsunami advisory, a barbershop robbery, and reindeer on a freeway.
- Why it matters: These incidents illustrate how everyday Los Angeles life can turn into a series of unexpected wildlife and weather events.
Los Angeles has been a hotspot for strange happenings this year, from insects hidden in snacks to a giant snake in a parking garage. Here’s a roundup of the most eye-catching stories that made headlines in 2025.
Beetles in Snack Packages
U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered 37 live beetles concealed in packages of Japanese snacks at Los Angeles International Airport in January. The insects were found in potato chip and chocolate boxes during a physical inspection of an air cargo shipment from Japan. The contraband was valued at $1,480 U.S. dollars.
| Item | Count | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Live beetles | 37 | $1,480 |
20-Foot Python on a Dumpster
A 20-ft python was spotted atop a dumpster in the parking garage of the Piero Apartments in downtown Los Angeles. Riverside’s wildlife rehabilitation expert, Joseph Hart-self-declared “Crocodile Dundee”-rescued the snake after it was first reported to police and animal control. Hart said he was thrilled to have the creature a new forever home.
Alien-Like Figure in Compton
A Compton resident’s Ring security camera captured an alien-looking figure trotting along her porch. The 11-second clip, posted by Jessica Ortiz, garnered more than 1 million views on Instagram. Ortiz described the moment as “literally going crazy.”
Tsunami Advisory for California Coast
The National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for part of the California coast on July 29 after a 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s east coast. The advisory was later lifted after aftershocks subsided, allowing Californians to return to beach activities.
Barbershop Robbery and Cat Theft
In early November, burglars used a pickup truck to break into a South Los Angeles barbershop, stealing $14,000 in equipment and the owner’s Savannah cat. The owner, Joe Gómez, noted that the cat was a prized family member.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles has seen a range of bizarre incidents, from live beetles in snacks to a giant python in a parking garage.
- Wildlife and weather events can turn everyday locations into headlines.
- Residents are advised to remain vigilant for unexpected wildlife and natural hazards.
Los Angeles continues to surprise its residents with a mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary, reminding everyone that the city’s stories are as diverse as its population.
