Kansas is home to various unique and even rare species of animals, including the cave salamander and the black-footed ferret, the spotted skunk, thread snake, sometimes a bear is spotted. But, did you know that every once in a while a creature not associated with anywhere in this area is found. Jellyfish. That’s right. Jellyfish have been spotted in a pond in Tonganoxie, Melvern Lake and a few other places over the years.
This species of jellyfish is found in bodies of water across America and on every continent except Antarctica. Its native habitat is the Yangtze River Valley in China. It’s not considered an invasive species because it doesn’t compete for resources with other animals, although they can sting their prey just like saltwater jellyfish. The Peach Blossom Jellyfish is believed to spread by hitching a ride on waterfowl or through ornamental water plants that were imported from China. The jellyfish live mainly in still waters like lakes and ponds. They may be in more bodies of water across the state but haven’t been spotted yet. You are welcome to look for them, the last sighting was in 2020 in Melvern Lake.
