We all love a good mystery, don’t we? Sometimes, the most unexpected things happen right under our noses. Maybe you’ve seen an oddly shaped cloud or caught an animal doing something completely out of character. It’s like the world is full of little puzzles just waiting to be solved.
The Facebook page ‘All Things Strange and Unusual’ is where people love to share these curious moments. We’ve had a good look through their posts and rounded up some of their most peculiar ones for you to enjoy. Scroll down to check them out and don’t miss our chat with one of the group’s admins, Kushani Gunathilaka.
#1 It Was So Cold Last Night It Was Impossible To Leave Them Out. I Love Them So Much. ?: Pat Van Acker
Image credits: Sara Wiley
“This is why the internet was made,” comments one of the group’s followers under a recent post, perfectly capturing the spirit of ‘All Things Strange and Unusual.’ The page shares everything from bizarre fish and confusing street signs to mind-boggling shoes—exactly the kind of content we’ve come to love online. Perhaps that’s why, despite being around for only a few months, it already has over 66,000 followers.
#2 Faith In Humanity Restored ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#3
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
To learn more about what makes the group so fascinating, Bored Panda spoke with Kushani Gunathilaka, one of its admins. “Connecting with our community and sharing things that add value to people is such a thrill!” she enthuses.
Kushani loves the incredible variety of content that members contribute. “The group is very fun, creative, and active. There’s no room for monotony here,” she says. “People all across are sharing things that you don’t see or hear often, and it takes excitement to a whole other level.”
#4 Meet The Majestic Maine Coon
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#5 At Local Walmart
Image credits: Mark Peter
One of Kushani’s favorite posts from ‘All Things Strange and Unusual’ is a photo of the ‘cougar shadow,’ a natural phenomenon that appears when the sun sets in the Superstition Mountains, Arizona, only twice a year—during the spring and fall equinox. “Most people were mesmerized by it, and surprisingly, some didn’t even know about it until the post appeared in the feed.”
#6 Ain’t That The Truth
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#7 This Is Hilarious ?
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#8 Unless U Work 4 Dr. Frankenstein!
Image credits: Mark Peter
Another post that captured Kushani’s heart was a photo of a duck nest nestled among plants for sale at Walmart—not something you come across every day. The workers had put up a sign asking people not to disturb the nest. “It’s rare to see people go above and beyond to protect something other than themselves, especially nowadays,” Kushani remarks.
#9 ???
Image credits: Mark Peter
#10 These Are Called Scud Clouds. This Was Recently Captured In South Carolina. ?: Zachary Lane
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#11
Image credits: Mark Peter
Beyond the group, Kushani sometimes has her own encounters with the ‘strange and unusual.’ “I once had a dream about a place where I went to eat and drink with a group of people. It felt so real, but I had never seen that place before,” she recalls. A few months later, her brother visited a restaurant abroad, and it was eerily similar to the place in her dream. “I was confused, to say the least.”
#12 Three Oseznos ? ? ? Dancing In The Middle Of The Forest
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#13 Photo Of The Day
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#14 It’s Called A Walking Palm Tree Because It Does Actually Walk. When It Chooses A Location To Go Towards, It Grows New Roots In That Direction And Lets The Trailing Roots Die Back
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
But where does this obsession with odd things come from? Turns out it’s rooted in our natural curiosity and desire to discover new things. According to clinical medical anthropologist and behavioral health specialist Meg Jordan, our brains thrive on novelty and excitement. Unusual items provide us with fresh information that stimulates our minds and keeps us engaged.
#15 These Clouds Are Called Undulatus Asperatus And Were Spotted In Gorham, New Hampshire ?: Crystal Lee
Image credits: Mark Peter
#16 Footwear Design By Davina India
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#17 Need A Caption ?
Image credits: Sara Wiley
Our sensitivity to new things is evident even in our daily routines. “We see it when something changes in a loved one’s appearance, when our favorite grocery items aren’t in their usual spot, or when an unfamiliar charge pops up on the credit card statement. We’re so used to spotting newness that it feels second nature by now,” Jordan says.
#18 A Friend Of Mine In Cocoa Beach, Florida, Took These Pics A Little While Ago Out Her Back Door. Ain’t That Cool? They Call It A Fire Rainbow
Image credits: Mark Peter
#19 Best Caption Wins ?
Image credits: Mark Peter
#20 Need Caption ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
In some ways, our brain is wired to seek out novel images, sounds, and words due to survival instincts passed down from our ancestors—“Hmm…that growl in the night doesn’t quite sound like my mate’s usual snore…”
However, recent findings suggest it’s because we are constantly motivated to explore our environments, take risks, and learn new things in search of rewards.
#21 Burrowing Owl
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#22 Turkish Agate From North Ankara
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#23 When The Unit Does Not Equal One
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
So the next time you find yourself fascinated by something weird, know that it’s not because of questionable tastes or a particular sense of humor, but because our inquisitive nature is a fundamental part of who we are. Embrace that side of yourself with confidence and satisfy your curiosity!
#24 Fern Geometry
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#25 The Architect Who Never Goes To School
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#26 Looking Out My Living Room Window. Summer In Alaska ?: Bonnie Sturn
Image credits: Mark Peter
#27 Beautiful Aragonite “Flowers” From Cave In Mallorca Island, Spain. ?: Alismountain
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#28 Amazing Driftwood Sculptures By Nagato Iwasaki
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#29 “A Mummified Fairy”
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#30 Zoo Rules! ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#31 Best Caption Wins ?
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#32 Every Baby Is So Beautiful And Innocent
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#33 Jellyfish Glowing Under A Boat
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#34 A White Raven Spotted Around Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, Canada. Photo: Lisa Bell
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#35 Things May Be Smaller Than They Seem.?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#36 Lion Cub Hanging On To Mom ?: Owenjasonkandume
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#37 Finally Found Them, Thumper And Bambi ?
Image credits: Mark Peter
#38 Looks Like God’s Hands Reaching Down ?: Juju Stucchi
Image credits: Mark Peter
#39 For Anyone Feeling A Bit Sad, Here’s A Picture From A Woman Who Makes Teddy Bears For Her Pet Rat
Image credits: Mark Peter
#40 Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#41 Bet This Is In The South
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#42 Horns For Miles At The Open Texas Longhorn Show!
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#43 He’s Not Even Remotely Sorry
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#44 The Fact This Had To Become A Sign ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#45 This Owl Captured A Child’s Stick Horse And Carried It Around The Town
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#46 For Those Who Don’t Know The Difference Between A Crocodile And An Alligator, The Crocodile Is The One Next To The Alligator
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#47 Wolf Eel ?: Capt Matthewcourville
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#48 That Sign Was Necessary Indeed
Image credits: Dan Andrew
#49 This Shadow On The Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, Az, The Cougar, Only Appears Twice A Year For Approximately A Week Just As The Sun Is Setting
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#50 Imagine Getting A Storm Warning On Your Phone, And Looking Out The Window To See This. ?: Texan Girl
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#51 Killer Weld Art From South Korea ?: Gjunk
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#52 I Have Questions
Image credits: Mark Peter
#53 Best Caption Wins ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#54 Should Have Been Duck Tape Instead
Image credits: Mark Peter
#55 Great Advice!! Thanks
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#56 ???
Image credits: Alejandra Loredo
#57 Best Caption Wins ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#58 Ocean In The Sky. Rare Wave-Shaped Cloud Photographed In Wyoming. ? Rachel Gordon
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#59 Yes, Green Roses Are Real And They Are Very Special And Very Old
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#60 Angry Jaguar
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#61 I Have A Feeling These Bears Are Up To Something ?
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#62 Who Needs A Work Bench, When You Have A Work Buddy
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#63 Various Patterns And Colours Of Trout Skin
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#64 Cat Apparently Got Into The Flour Bowl ?
Image credits: Mark Peter
#65 Love This! ❤️ ?: Jeanne Santomauro Schnupp
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#66 Kung Fu In Italy
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#67 Close Up Fox ? ?: Dandinu
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#68 How To Make A Sea Lion At Home ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#69 I Have Questions
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#70 Need Caption ?
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#71 Kenya Power And Lighting Company Replaced The Poles But Retains The Woodpecker’s Home
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#72 A New Born Python Still In Its Shell
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#73 An Incredible 16th Century Italian Fireplace. Wow!
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#74 Princess Qajar ..considered The Most Beautiful Woman In Persia ..13 Men Committed Su/Cide Because She Would Not Marry Them
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#75 Could Be All Three In One ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#76 Bear Cubs Challenging A Wildlife Photographer
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#77 LOL…?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#78 “While All The Other Dogs In The Park Were Playing Around, He Read A Book With His Human”
Image credits: Mark Peter
#79 Great Blue Heron Swallowing A Juvenile Alligator ?
Image credits: Mark Peter
#80 The Rare Pit Bull Platypus ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#81 A Mountain Lion Mother And Her New Babies
Image credits: Mark Peter
#82 ??
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#83 Bueren Stairs (Liege-Belgium) ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#84 Baby Male Cardinal
Image credits: Mark Peter
#85 Caption This ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#86 Cheetah Tree ?: Charlotteclarerhodes
Image credits: Mark Peter
#87 Beautiful Rare Coyamito Agate From The Deserts Of Mexico, The Only Place It Can Be Found On Earth!
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#88 Osprey With A Triple Catch ?: Razak Photography
Image credits: Mark Peter
#89 Lightning Strike In Australia ⚡️⚡️ ?: David Diehm Photography
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#90 Whaaat?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#91 Bet A Staff Put It There While Quitting ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#92 Caption This ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#93 What Would You Name This Cat?
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#94 Mostly! ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#95 A Snow Leopard Gives A Demonstration Of Camouflage
Image credits: Mark Peter
#96 Under A Mushroom Cap. ?: Aaron Ras
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#97 He Has Dreamed Of This Day ??
Image credits: Sara Wiley
#98 Sunset Dragonfly!
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#99 The Shadow That This Tree Makes Is A Work Of Art!
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#100 Baby Argonaut Octopus (Paper Nautilus) ?: Dsilkotch
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#101 Bathroom With A Glass Floor Over Abandoned Elevator Shaft
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#102 Wait What… ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#103 Get A Bird. It’s Relaxing
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#104 Best Caption Wins ?
Image credits: Pamela Larson
#105 I Never Realized Just How Big Tigers Really Were Until I Saw This Photo ?
Image credits: Mark Peter
#106 My Husband Told Me To “Hurry, The Toilet Is Smoking…” And This Was What I Saw ? Credit: Kyle & Mistie Knight
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#107 Best Caption Wins ?
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan
#108 After Brushing Your Dog Or Cat, Remove The Hair, As It Helps Birdies Make Nests
Image credits: Chathurika Mihishan