Imagine you're enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the River Wye in Hereford when suddenly - WHAM! A dead eel lands at your feet, sending stones flying everywhere. That's exactly what happened to Stan Hedley, 29, who was sitting near Victoria Bridge, nose-deep in his book. The poor chap was left stunned and scratching his head over the bizarre incident.
The 'wet thud' behind him was all he needed to know something was amiss. Turning round, he was met with a sight that would put even the most seasoned angler off their tea: a mangled eel, as long as his arm, lay on the path. It was clear the creature had been through some sort of ordeal before its unfortunate demise.
So what could have caused such a dramatic drop? Stan reckons it might have been a cormorant, which he's seen in these waters before, swooping down to snatch an unsuspecting eel from the river. He'd just heard a commotion above him - birds flying off, perhaps? - and then...ker-boom! Eel hits the deck.
This freak encounter got Stan pondering the ancient symbolism surrounding eels. They've been linked to mystery, transformation, or even omens in various cultures down the centuries. But Stan's not holding out for a 'good luck' sign just yet. A four-leaf clover would be more his style than a dead fish falling from the sky!
The River Wye is home to all sorts of wildlife, including eels and other fishy friends. Birds dropping their catches isn't unheard of in these parts - but this incident takes the biscuit. Stan's just glad it wasn't him who took the hit!