Source: News at IU
During solar eclipses, animals may exhibit unusual behavior due to the sudden changes in light and temperature. Unlike humans who can adjust their environment, animals rely on natural cues. The darkening sky and cooler temperatures during a solar eclipse can signal to animals that it’s nighttime, even during the day. Liz Aguilar, a Ph.D. student in biology at Indiana University, explains that during an eclipse, there may be a “twilight zone” of around 30 minutes before totality, during which animals respond to the changing environmental conditions.
Nocturnal animals might emerge from their resting places, while diurnal animals may prepare for nighttime activities. Even pets may react to the eclipse, with some associating the sudden darkness with adverse weather. However, animals are unlikely to look at the sun during the eclipse, so there’s no need for protective eyewear for them. While research on animal behavior during eclipses is limited, citizen scientists are encouraged to contribute to our understanding of this phenomenon during upcoming eclipses in 2023 and 2024.
Read the full story HERE: https://news.iu.edu/live/news/31916-unlocking-the-mysteries-of-animal-behavior-during