On April 8, 2024, parts of Canada, the United States and also Mexico experienced a historic total solar eclipse. Millions of people who live in those areas, and the same number who traveled especially to witness it, were luxury spectators of this event. However, they were not the only ones, animals also perceive the change. Scientists took the opportunity to study the animals’ reaction to this natural phenomenon.
Animals modify their habits when facing a total solar eclipse
The natural consequences of an eclipse are that the sky darkens and the air temperature drops. It is also known that the behavior of the animals is modified during the process. This is because the lack of light changes your internal clock.
There are testimonies about this fact that date back to remote times. During an eclipse in 1239, an Italian monk declared that both animals and birds were very frightened. According to statements from another, which occurred in Portugal in 1560, the birds fell to the ground terrified by the total darkness. However, there was no scientific support for this information until now. It is now known that different species modify their habits when faced with total darkness.
Cows, ants or bats
In a total solar eclipse, dairy cows return to the stables. The birds perch to take their rest, while those that have nocturnal habits become active. The crickets begin their serenade and the bats suddenly appear in flocks. Although in the particular case of these mammals their activation is due to a drop in temperature rather than a lack of light.
Nocturnal animals such as owls, wolves, lemurs or raccoons prepare for their hunting or food search activities. Other animals associate the eclipse with a storm and that is why they run to seek shelter. As for theThe fish stop swimming and remain static while the whales jump out of the water without stopping or making noise.
In the case of pets, they can also change their habits or show erratic behavior. Sudden darkness can be disorienting, and those who suffer from storm anxiety may gasp, pace, or even whimper.
How to care for pets during an eclipse?
The recommendation is to bring them into the home to prevent them from looking directly at the sun and this could affect their vision. It is not known if special glasses can protect them, as in the case of humans, and that is why it is preferable to place them in a closed place so that they do not run risks.
