Solar Eclipse 2024 Could Spell Chaos for Wildlife as Day Turns to Night
As the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, approaches, the anticipation grows not only among humans but also within the animal kingdom.
This celestial event, spanning from Mexico to Maine, offers a unique opportunity to observe the impact on both pets and wildlife. Here’s how animals might react to the sudden shift from day to night and back again.
Diurnal animals may return to their nests or hiding spots, mistaking the eclipse for dusk.
Pets and Their Perception of the Eclipse
Household pets, particularly dogs and cats, are expected to show minimal changes in behavior during the eclipse.
“It’s very interesting how some of our friends will be completely oblivious of what’s going on. My Labrador, for instance, will not probably care much, as long as I am with him,” Dr. Reed Stevens, from the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, tells WBEN. “Many people will be at work and they might worry about their pets at home. My recommendation for that is to darken the house as much as possible so they don’t feel the change in light. I think what the pets will feel is just a coming of a darkness like it’s twilight, like our wildlife or domesticated species are feeling.
Stevens advises pet owners to maintain a calm demeanor to keep sensitive pets at ease. Similarly, feline friends are likely to find a cozy spot for a nap, undisturbed by the eclipse’s brief darkness.
Birds often stop singing and may exhibit roosting behavior during an eclipse.
Wildlife’s Day-Night Confusion
In contrast to domestic pets, wildlife may experience significant disruptions. As Pacific University reports, the eclipse’s twilight zone, encompassing a period before and after totality, could lead diurnal animals to initiate their night-time routines prematurely. Chickens might seek roost, while bees return to their hives, reflecting their confusion over the abrupt transition from daylight to darkness and back.
Nocturnal creatures, on the other hand, might be tricked into thinking night has fallen.
Jeff Musial from Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics told WBEN that raccoons, possums, and skunks could emerge, only to be startled as daylight resumes.
This temporary disruption poses a reminder for cautious driving to avoid confused wildlife on the roads.
“A lot of the nocturnal animals will come popping out, and then all of a sudden, the sun will come back out and they’re gonna be like, ‘What is going on?’ It’s really going to mess with them, because this is not something they see every day.”
The rapid temperature drop during an eclipse can affect animal metabolism and activity levels.
Zoological Observations and Citizen Science
Zoos across the U.S. are preparing to keep their animals calm during the eclipse while offering educational opportunities for visitors. In collaboration with The Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources, the Columbus Zoo is set to conduct its first observational study on animal behavior during the eclipse. By employing ethograms, researchers and the Animal Care team will meticulously document the reactions of the zoo’s inhabitants to the sudden shift from daylight to darkness.
This event offers a chance for citizen scientists to contribute to our understanding of animal reactions to such cosmic occurrences, according to Indiana University.
The eclipse’s darkness can disrupt the feeding routines of many animal species.
Behavioral Shifts in the Wild
Beyond domesticated environments, wild animals are also expected to exhibit altered behaviors. Nicole Baker from the Wild Center told NBC5 that she predicts a decrease in songbird activity, while nocturnal and crepuscular animals like porcupines, moose, and deer might display unusual midday activity.
The eclipse could also influence mating calls and other animal communications, with phenomena such as frogs’ mating calls potentially occurring out of their usual schedule. Sudden darkness and temperature drop can trigger night-time behaviors in diurnal species and awaken nocturnal animals.
The sudden shift to darkness and back can disrupt the internal clocks of wildlife.
Historical and Global Observations
Previous eclipses have seen birds falling silent and cows returning to barns, while all species from giraffes to whales are somehow affected by the event.
The total solar eclipse presents a fascinating natural experiment, shedding light on the interplay between celestial events and animal behavior. From the comfort of our homes to the depths of the wild, the animal kingdom is set to partake in this cosmic spectacle, offering a wealth of observations for science and curiosity alike.
