The Fascinating Behavior of Animals During Solar Eclipses
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Chapter 1: The Mystery of Animal Reactions
When it comes to solar eclipses, animals exhibit a range of unusual behaviors, while others appear completely unfazed.
Recently, an annular solar eclipse occurred, and I hardly noticed it. The partial eclipse on June 10, 2021, was visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere. In my part of the UK, the day was busy and cloudy, and as only a sliver of the sun slipped behind the moon's shadow, I didn't observe or feel anything out of the ordinary.
However, I vividly recall the solar eclipse in March 2015. With 95% totality, it left a lasting impression on me. As a self-proclaimed science enthusiast, I crafted a DIY pinhole projector to safely view the phenomenon projected on one of my walls. Alone at home, I felt a mix of anxiety and wonder as I watched the bright disc of light gradually consumed by shadow, before reclaiming its glorious shape.
At the peak of the eclipse, I stepped into my garden, where an unsettling silence had enveloped the surroundings. The birds, once bustling with activity during spring, seemed to pause in anticipation. I found myself more intrigued by the responses of the earthly inhabitants around me than the celestial display above.
Eventually, the sun's brilliance returned, and the shadows faded into memory. The birds resumed their lively chatter, and my world regained its brightness.
Solar eclipses can be predicted with remarkable accuracy due to the consistent laws of physics. Despite their predictable occurrence, these events elicit curious behaviors in various living beings, including the animals we share our environment with.
Chapter 2: Understanding Animal Responses
It's challenging to determine whether animals truly comprehend that an eclipse is taking place; after all, we can't directly ask them. However, it is evident that many species react to the changes in light and temperature.
Interestingly, systematic studies on this topic are scarce, with most findings relying on anecdotal evidence. That said, there is a general agreement among researchers that many animals respond to solar eclipses, and their reactions vary significantly.
Section 2.1: Nighttime Behavior
Some creatures behave as if night has arrived prematurely. For instance, orb-weaving spiders begin to dismantle their webs, a typical behavior as nighttime approaches, only to rebuild them once the eclipse concludes. Research indicates that artificial light can halt this web dismantling, suggesting that light levels play a crucial role in these activities.
Bats emerge, deceived by the sudden darkness, while in Zimbabwe, hippos exhibit signs of distress, attempting to return to their nighttime feeding areas before retreating once the eclipse passes. Farm animals like chickens and cows also head back to their barns, acting as if the day has come to an end. Once the eclipse is over, they resume their daytime activities.
For many animals, a solar eclipse appears to be nothing more than a brief night, although it can lead to agitation and anxiety, as seen in the case of the Zimbabwean hippos.
Section 2.2: Signs of Distress
Dr. Douglas Duncan mentioned in a Time magazine article that “the more intelligent animals tend to panic.” For example, llamas can be spotted staring at the sun during an eclipse, and dolphins swim to the surface, unusually quiet.
A notable observation was made in 1984 involving a group of chimpanzees at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center in Georgia. The females were the first to react, climbing to higher levels in their enclosure as the sky dimmed. As the eclipse progressed, more chimps joined them, and the group collectively turned toward the eclipse. Remarkably, one young chimp gestured toward the darkening sky, a behavior not seen during typical sunsets.
Chapter 3: Indifference Among Pets
In contrast, many pets show little to no reaction. Research hasn't reached a consensus; pet rabbits often continue sleeping, while some dogs exhibit excitement or anxiety, and others simply ignore the passing darkness. As for cats? Most sleep through the entire event, displaying their typical indifference.
Have you ever observed animals acting peculiarly during an eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse will occur on December 4, 2021, visible over Antarctica, South Africa, and the South Atlantic.
The first video, "I Was Shocked To Learn How Animals React to Solar Eclipses," explores the different ways animals respond to this celestial event.
The second video, "Weird Things Animals Do During Eclipses," dives into the fascinating behaviors observed in various animal species during eclipses.