Swimming Bears, Camel Therapy, Alligator Battle: Top Patch Animal Stories of 2016

It was apparently a hot year for bears. From California to New Jersey, our furry friends were caught swimming in pools, doing laps and taking naps in backyards across America.

Animals intruding on everyday life happens more often than you think, and watching more than 1,000 hyperlocal news sites every day, we come across our fair share of stories like these.

Here are the top animal stories across Patch's network in 2016:

Washington D.C. Bald Eagle Cam

The world watched with anticipation as two bald eagle eggs in Washington hatched live on camera. They were eventually rewarded with two adorable baby birds.

Camel Therapy: Animals Brighten Day For Rehab Patients

Rehabilitation patients at John Muir Health's Walnut Creek medical center enjoyed the company of some exotic therapy animals from Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals of Sonoma earlier this fall.

Dramatic Alligator Battle Caught On Video

A Clearwater, Florida, office worker out to enjoy a sunny afternoon by taking an outdoor lunch break recently found himself holding front-row seats for an epic battle between two alligators.

Giant Bear Swims In Giant Pool, Takes Giant Nap

Broadcast footage showed the bear taking a dip in a backyard pool before taking off and climbing a tree.

Backyard Bear Takes A Dip In North Jersey Pool

The heat was too much for one bruin on Father's Day.

Hot Bear Spotted Swimming Laps in SoCal Pool

When it's too hot in the woods, what do the bears do? In Arcadia, California, this bear paused his day to swim a few laps in a neighborhood swimming pool.

Cesar Millan, 'Dog Whisperer,' Won't Face Animal Cruelty Charges

Cesar Millan, the television dog psychologist known as “The Dog Whisperer," won't face animal cruelty charges over one of his dogs biting a pig during a training session.

Pedals, The New Jersey Bear That Walked On Two Feet, Is Dead

Pedals, the beloved injured bear who walked upright on hind legs, was reportedly killed by bow and arrow.

Harlem's One-Antlered Deer Dies From 'Stress' Before Relocation, City Says

Lefty, a one-antlered deer caught in Harlem, died of "stress" while city and state officials squabbled over his fate.

Thirsty Bobcat Drinks from Backyard Water Fountain in La Cañada Flintridge

It's not unheard of for bobcats to be seen in the middle of the day, though it is rare. This cat must have been really thirsty.

8 Zoo Animals Enjoying Halloween's Sweet Treats

Kids may be heading out for candy Halloween night, but these zoo animals show costumes aren't required for fun treats.

Meet 'Sparky': The Bison Who Survived A Lightning Strike

The 1,600-pound bison is "a little thinner" but still going strong.

World's Oldest Parrot Dies

Bird lovers remember Cookie, the cockatoo who was the last surviving animal from the Brookfield Zoo's opening in 1934.

Minnesota Beaver Mistakes Power Pole for Tree Trunk

Extremely cold weather apparently had one beaver in a small Minnesota town a little out of sorts.

These Pictures of Zoo Animals Playing in the Snow Will Make You Melt

The Brookfield Zoo got a lot of snow last weekend, but the animals weren't upset.

The Great Owl Capture: Lost Bird Corralled Inside Riverside Supermarket

An owl dropped in on shoppers and employees at a Riverside supermarket, flapping around aisles and making himself at home until animal control officials captured and then released him back outdoors.