How does animal behavior change during a solar eclipse?
(FOX40.COM) — The first total solar eclipse since 2017 is expected to return on Monday and while many people are fascinated about the moon covering the sun, pets and wildlife may not be too thrilled.
Video Above: How do animals react to a solar eclipse?
The eclipse is expected to spread above 15 states, Mexico, and Canada on April 8. California is not in the path of totality (when the moon completely covers the sun), however, the Golden State will still get a partial experience, and may still feel some of the total solar effects.
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Wildlife
Researchers have found that most animals react to a solar eclipse by beginning their nighttime routines as totality approaches.
According to the Syracuse University STEM program, “common animal vocalists in evening choruses, such as frogs and crickets, may begin singing, while animals that vocalize during the daytime, such as most cicadas, may stop.”
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The University reported that honeybees have been observed returning to their hives, nocturnal moths begin to take flight, and spiders that trap insects in their webs during the day begin to take their webs down during a total solar eclipse. In addition, birds and insects that migrate at night have also been shown to take off in flight during solar eclipses.
Pets
The darkness caused by an eclipse can disrupt pets’ internal clocks and lead to confusion and anxiety, according to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
During a solar eclipse, pets may display unusual behaviors because they are accustomed to being active during daylight hours and resting at night, according to Texas A&M. Animals with a history of anxiety may exhibit behaviors such as whining, pacing, panting, or hiding.
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Are animals at risk during an eclipse?
The greatest threat comes from the potential increase in human–animal interactions, according to phys.org. Nocturnal animals tend to emerge, and diurnal species return to their dens, at times when humans are still very active which can be dangerous. Phys.org also reported an increase in animal roadkill was observed in the United States during one eclipse.
NASA wants your observation
NASA recently launched a program called the Eclipse Soundscapes Project to further study how eclipses affect life on Earth. People can submit sounds and recordings of activity during the solar eclipse for analysis. The observations data collected will reportedly help NASA better understand solar eclipse effects on various U.S. ecosystems.
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