Animals have a keen sense of danger. After all, their survival depends on it. Whether detecting predators or natural disasters, their heightened senses often lead them to react to impending danger. Here are 10 animals and their behaviors that indicate a natural disaster is about to occur.
Bees
Bees have an exceptional sensitivity to environmental changes that often precede natural disasters. In a meteorological event, bees will take cover if they are away from the hive. So, if you no longer hear these buzzy pollinators, you know bad weather is coming. Find cover, but not where the bees are.
Cows
How in the world do cows deal with having a strong sense of smell, detecting odors up to six miles away? Just driving past can be intolerably foul. If the cows are stirring in the barn, it could be a sign that a storm is coming. Head for cover if you hear the cows mooing. Check, but be sure to plug your nose.
Fish
Unless you are Aquaman, this next natural disaster signal will be tough to recognize. Fish can sense fluctuations in barometric pressure, telling them to seek shelter from an incoming storm. They can also sense seismic activity. Before an earthquake or a storm, they’ll often seek cover in deeper waters or sheltered areas. If you think you’re a terrible fisherman, it could just mean a natural disaster is upon the horizon.
Sharks
Despite the sharp teeth, sharks are actually sensitive. Not in a soap opera way, but in an actual sense. Sharks can detect weak electrical fields and vibrations in the water. When they sense bad weather or a seismic event, they swim to deeper waters. This sign might also be difficult to spot, unless you are Aquaman. Or maybe if you’re scuba diving.
Snakes
Snakes slither on the ground, which makes them especially sensitive to the Earth’s vibrations. When they sense an earthquake, they will emerge from their burrow, sometimes days in advance. In the event of flooding, snakes will seek higher ground or shelter inside buildings. If there is one redeeming quality for snakes, this is it.
Toads
Before you kiss a toad for your prince charming, observe the toad’s behavior. If they are fleeing their nesting ground, it could be an indication that a natural disaster is imminent. Their skin is particularly sensitive to gases, charged particles, and other environmental changes, notifying them to seek safety. If your prince charming is fleeing you, it could be because of an earthquake. There’s no need to be jealous.
Birds
When you notice the chirping cease, hopefully it will trigger your senses. Birds are receptive to small changes in barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Most seek shelter when they sense inclement weather. If the birds aren’t singing during their feeding time, it’s a signal to get inside.
Cats
Cats become quick and sporadic when they have what most people call “the zoomies.” When they sense a natural disaster is about to happen, they scatter and find shelter. Another indicator is scared vocalizations. Not only are they cute, but they can also save you from danger. So the next time your cat gets zoomy at an unusual time, it could mean a storm is upon you.
Dogs
There are many stories about “man’s best friend” saving its owner from danger. They are incredibly perceptive. If your dog is acting strange, barking excessively, whining, feeling restless, or agitated, it could be a sign that bad weather or an earthquake is coming. Get inside. Crisis averted. Good boy.
Elephants
Our last animal on our list is already incredibly unique. They have extraordinary memory and use low frequencies to communicate with other elephants miles away. They can also feel seismic vibrations. At a zoo, onlookers observed adult elephants forming a shield around a young calf just before an earthquake struck. If you see this, you should seek safety instead of pulling out your smartphone for a picture.
