What time of day is it?
That’s an instinctual question many animals feel when a total solar eclipse brings the moon directly in front of the sun.
During this rare occurrence day becomes night and the temperatures drops. This sends some animals into utter confusion. NASA states that, “It has been reported during many eclipses that many different animals are startled by totality and change their behaviour thinking that twilight has arrived. You can explore this yourself with your own pets, or by watching local wildlife, especially birds,”
The August 21st total solar eclipse promises to change behaviour in at least part of the animal kingdom, but the degree of the calamity is highly uncertain. In fact, there is barely any scientific documentation of animal reactions.
Animal Behaviour And Lunar Eclipses
Forbes recently wrote an article touching on the surprising lack of research on this event. They also mention how citizens are being urged to record animal and plant reactions in order to help close this gap in knowledge. They report that, “The California Academy of Sciences is asking citizen scientists to record observations of animal behaviour as part of their Life Responds project using their free iNaturalist app. Basically, they are looking to collect behavioural observations of animals (and plants) from the largest geographic area ever covered by observers during any solar eclipse so far.”
There is a great deal left to discover; however, many strange accounts were recorded in the past. Researchers say that as the eclipse starts animals will settle into their “bedtime rituals.” This includes birds, crickets, and frogs chirping or crocking.
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Toward the end of the eclipse the opposite rituals will commence, such as roosters crowing.
While this sounds fairly understandable, timing plays an important role. The fact that the entire eclipse happens so quickly means that the animals must gear into over-drive.
Many fish and marine mammals were recorded swimming to the ocean’s surface. Among the most disrupted are birds. Even bugs will feel the impact.
Pet owners are advised that the eclipse may frighten or agitate cats, dogs, and other house pets.
