Animals Interrupting Sports: A Look Back at Unforgettable Field Crashers

Sports events are inherently exciting, and animals are fascinating creatures. When these two worlds collide, the result can be anything from amusing and heartwarming to surprisingly disruptive.

A recent college baseball game between Texas and Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park provided a perfect example of this unexpected mix. During the fourth inning, a bunny made an appearance, hopping around near third base and behind home plate before quickly exiting towards the bullpen, causing a brief pause in play.

This charming intrusion is far from an isolated incident. Throughout sports history, various members of the animal kingdom have unexpectedly graced playing fields, courts, and courses, creating memorable and sometimes chaotic moments. In tribute to these unexpected guests, let`s recall some of the most notable animal appearances that halted or livened up sports events.

Squirrel – Oxford, Mississippi – 2024

During an SEC football game in 2024 between Ole Miss and Oklahoma at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, a squirrel became an unlikely participant. It darted onto the field near the 17-yard line and made a speedy run all the way to the end zone before disappearing into the tunnel, providing a moment of levity for fans.

Insect – New York City – 2024

The 2024 US Open quarterfinal match between Frances Tiafoe and Grigor Dimitrov saw a tiny intruder. A black insect landed on the court during a break in play. Ball boys diligently tried to capture it by hand for about 30 seconds before the match could resume.

Raccoon – Chester, Pennsylvania – 2024

A MLS match between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC at Subaru Park in Philadelphia was briefly paused due to a raccoon strolling onto the field. The animal proved surprisingly elusive, evading attempts by staff to remove it for nearly three minutes before finally being escorted off.

Turtle – Bradenton, Florida – 2024

A minor league baseball game involving the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, experienced a slow-moving delay courtesy of a turtle. The reptile ambled around the outfield until pitcher Magdiel Cotto gently scooped it up and removed it from play.

Bees – Chase Field, Arizona – 2024

Ahead of a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, a swarm of bees behind home plate caused a significant delay of almost two hours. A professional beekeeper, Matt Hilton, was called to the scene and expertly handled the situation, becoming an unexpected fan favorite and even throwing out the first pitch.

Cat – Angel Stadium, California – 2024

Coincidentally occurring on the same evening as the bee incident in Arizona, a cat made a surprise appearance during a game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies. The feline sprinted across the outfield and into the Phillies` dugout during the seventh inning.

Squirrel – Yankees Stadium, New York – 2023

Early in the 2023 season, a squirrel provided entertainment at Yankee Stadium by running along the top of the outfield wall, much to the delight and surprise of the crowd. The adventurous rodent completed its journey without harm to itself or any spectators.

Bats – AT&T Center, San Antonio – 2009 & 2019

The home of the San Antonio Spurs has a history of unexpected flying visitors. In October 2009, during a game against the Sacramento Kings (on Halloween night!), a bat flew onto the court, leading to Manu Ginobili famously swatting it down. Bats returned in January 2019, with four of them causing a delay while staff attempted removal, prompting “Manu” chants from the crowd. A month later, the Spurs mascot, The Coyote, successfully captured another bat with a fishing net. And yet another appearance occurred in March of the same year, again requiring The Coyote`s intervention.

Squirrel – Busch Stadium, St. Louis – 2011

Perhaps the most famous sports animal interruption is the “Rally Squirrel.” In Game 3 of the 2011 NLDS between the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals, a squirrel ran across home plate during play, causing brief confusion. While the Cardinals lost that game, the squirrel became an unofficial mascot, and the team went on to win the series and the World Series, forever linking the rodent to their championship run.

Cats – Baltimore & East Rutherford, New Jersey – 2017 & 2019

Nimble cats have also found their way into football stadiums. In 2017, a kitten at M&T Bank Stadium during a Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens game was eventually caught by staff and, in a happy ending, adopted by an employee and named Rae (short for Ravens). In 2019, a black cat famously interrupted a Monday Night Football game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.

Dog – Dunhill Links Championship, Scotland – 2012

Golf courses, especially in dog-friendly Scotland, sometimes see canine visitors. At the Dunhill Links Championship in 2012, a dog became fixated on Paul Casey`s golf ball on the third hole green and picked it up, running away. Casey later joked it was the weirdest thing he`d experienced on a golf course. Rules allowed him to replace the ball, and he went on to birdie the hole.

Bees – Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati – 2019

Another swarm of bees caused a delay before a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in 2019. The bees congregated at the top of the backstop screen, leading to an 18-minute pause before the game could begin safely. Thankfully, no one was stung.