As the anticipation of the upcoming April 8th solar eclipse sweeps across communities, it not only captivates the human imagination but also piques curiosity about its impact on animal behavior. With their celestial grandeur, eclipses have long been observed for their effects on wildlife behavior, prompting researchers and enthusiasts alike to observe how animals respond to abrupt changes in light.
Numerous press releases from animal groups, however, have advised people to “keep their pets inside” or “close their curtains or blinds” during eclipses to “minimize the potential of eclipse exposure.” However, this language gives the impression that the eclipse poses a danger to animals; It does not. The eclipse only presents a risk if one looks directly at the sun without special glasses, a behavior that animals don’t engage in since they typically don’t search the sky for celestial events.
Do eclipses cause changes in animal behavior? Yes, they do. In the path of totality, wild animals may get a little confused and mistake the sudden darkness for nighttime and adjust their activities accordingly. Birds may cease their daytime chirping, and insects may begin their nightly sounds prematurely. Bees may go back to their hives and not come out again until the next day. Similarly, our pets may mimic nighttime behaviors, like howling, wanting to sleep, or wondering why dinner hasn’t been served. The feral cats you feed may suddenly start heading your way.
However, despite these behavioral changes, animals are not endangered by exposure to the eclipse. While some media has suggested that pets may become agitated or aggressive, no scientific evidence so far supports this claim. However, during the 2017 total eclipse, while scientists observed some mild behavioral changes in 75% of the animals at a South Carolina Zoo, there was a gibbon whose increased chattering and excited movements during the eclipse had never been seen before by his keepers.
While changes in animal behavior are more likely due to factors such as changes in their environment, increased activity or visitors, or disruptions to their routine, animal behavior can be tied to changes in daylight and nighttime, so observing animals during an eclipse could reveal some interesting results, both for scientists and the casual observer. (If you are interested in observing how wildlife and pets react to the April 8th eclipse and want to contribute to this knowledge, you can volunteer to collect audio recordings or make observations by signing up at eclipsesoundscapes.org. Your contributions could help researchers gain valuable insights into animal behavior during celestial events.) In the meantime, it’s important to remember that while the eclipse may cause your pets to exhibit some changes in behaviors – or no behavior change at all, depending on the animal, the eclipse itself does not pose a danger to your pets or wildlife. Your pets don’t need special glasses, nor must they be kept inside or cloaked behind blinds or curtains. In fact, it’s okay if your dog hangs out with you during the eclipse, as long as activities outside their normal routines or the additional visitors to your home don’t normally stress them.
And remember, even if clouds block your view, if you are in the path of totality, you, your pet, and the animals around you will still experience the four-plus minute plunge into sudden darkness (or less, depending on where you live). If you are lucky enough to live along the path and have pets or wildlife nearby, you are getting a rare chance to marvel at the multifaceted wonder of the natural world—in all its aspects. Enjoy nature’s spectacle together and cherish this unique experience.
With over 35 years of experience advocating for animals in animal welfare, Cathy Rosenthal is a seasoned expert dedicated to improving the lives of our furry friends. Explore her books and programs by visiting https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/.
Credit: Cathy M. Rosenthal, The Pet Pundit
