Have you ever spotted something odd on a hike through Delaware's forests and parks? If you've seen something that doesn't quite match up to your knowledge of typical Delaware wildlife, you're not alone. Read about some strange and spooky sightings of wild animals in Delaware that have been reported over the last handful of years.

1. Black Bears

In 2016, New Castle County residents were started by multiple reports of black bears rummaging through their trash and cruising through the neighborhoods. Maybe the bears were looking to do some tax-free shopping, or visit a DuPont Estate for some springtime fun. Whatever their motives were, they were quickly bored with Delaware and moved along, presumably, to a state with better cheesesteaks.

2. Mountain Lions

In 2010, a Pike Creek man got the fright of his life when he and his dog encountered a cougar on a late night walk. While mountain lions in Delaware and elsewhere on the east coast are rarely spotted, lions from as far west as the Dakotas have been tracked through Connecticut, so it certainly is possible that the man and his pup made a lucky getaway.

Learn more about mountain lions.

3. Bobcats

Bobcats have expanded their range to create colonies in nearly every state - except Delaware. However, try telling local hunters and trappers that there aren't any bobcats in Delaware, and chances are you'll find someone willing to pull trail cam footage for you. While there are no "official" bobcat colonies in the First State, these curious critters travel into Delaware from neighboring areas, looking for more food and maybe fries with vinegar, instead of ketchup.

Check out more about bobcats.

4. Water Mocassins

Delaware is home to two venomous snakes - the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Both species are protected, and you're not likely to run into either unless you're really looking for them. The same can't be said about cottonmouths, though. While they haven't been officially noted as living in Delaware, they've been spotted by boaters in our rivers and waterways, particularly in the heat of summer.

Find out more about water mocassins.

5. Great White Sharks

Great White Sharks have been making more frequent appearances along the Delaware Coast. We can't tell if their range is getting bigger, or if our tracking technology is making us more aware of sharks that have been traveling this far for centuries, but it's a little more unsettling now that we know when they are around. Of all the wild animals in Delaware, these might be the scariest, so be careful when you go swimming.

Read more about great white sharks.

6. The Occasional Loose Emu

Do you remember the Odessa Emu? Back in 2015, this quirky fellow was spotted repeatedly over a two month period. No local farms had reported a lost emu, making his reign of terror even more mysterious. Eventually, the bird was captured, and cared for by 3 Palms Zoo.

Check out more about emus.

Now that you're a little more familiar with the unexpected wildlife you might encounter in Delaware, don't you feel like starting your hike planning? Read about 9 Amazing Delaware Hikes Under 3 Miles You'll Absolutely Love and get ready to lace up your hiking boots... or trail runners!