Great Lakes biologist Jim Grazio experienced a rare encounter that was more than 30 years in the making.
 
On July 15, while collecting water from the Presque Isle Marina for the Department of Environmental Protection, DEP intern Ray Walter noticed something strange in the water.
 
"Ray looked down again--the first time he's ever been out on a boat with DEP---and said Jim, what's that little thing that looks like a jellyfish?" said Grazio.  "I thought he was pulling my leg."
 
Grazio looked down, and there it was--the elusive freshwater jellyfish.
 
"Forgive me in advance for my enthusiasm, but I've been looking for the freshwater jellyfish for my entire career," said Grazio. "Seen by myself for the first time and to my knowledge, the first time it's been documented at Presque Isle State Park."
 
The freshwater jellyfish is the only known species of jellyfish to inhabit freshwater ecosystems.
 
It is native to China, but has been present in North America for more than 100 years.
 
Due to the species' lifecycle, Grazio says it is rarely seen.
 
"For most of it's life history, it exists as this polyp, which is a small one to two millimeter long," said Grazio.  "It's a non-moving organism that attaches to the bottom of a water body."
 
While they do sting, Grazio says humans don't need to worry.
 
"They do sting, but only if you're a microscopic animal," said Grazio.  "Because they are so tiny, they only prey on the microscopic animals in the water, so they are simply too small to harm human beings.
 
According to a spokesman from the PA DEP, since last week, the video of the jellyfish has had over three million views, making it the most popular video that the agency has ever posted on social media.
 
"We are very surprised," said Grazio.  "It just goes to show you how fascinating the natural world is and how much there is to be observed, and even as an old-timer like me, you can still add a new species to your life list."