How Will Animals Act During Solar Eclipse in Arkansas?

The Great American Solar Eclipse on April 8, will be here before you know it, and from Mexico to Canada, and parts of Arkansas and Texas we are set to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event.

While many people are ready for the eclipse your pets or other animals may not be. Having the sky turn dark in the middle of the day could most likely cause some unusual strange animal behavior.

According to NASA, the effects of an eclipse on animal behavior are not fully understood, the eclipse could trick animals into believing that night has occurred and may alter their daily routines.

After extensive research and observation from game wardens, naturalists, and the public it was reported that during or near totality people may hear crickets, and frogs croaking. Chickens were also seen trying to find a roosting spot, according to a story from the 2017 Science News.

Animals are prone to light sensitivity and any variation of a loss of light could prompt adjustments in their physiology and hormone levels. Observation from other eclipses showed that nocturnal bats were seen briefly while spiders began breaking down their webs as they typically do at the end of the day. Other studies indicated that hippos were seen leaving the rivers in search of dry land but as soon as the eclipse ended the hippos were headed back to the river but seemed agitated. See how the animals act at the Litte Rock Zoo "Eclipse Day."

The eclipse also seemed to affect whales and dolphins who were seen swimming to the ocean's surface right before the eclipse occurred.

What About Family Pets?

According to an assistant professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Indoor pets such as cats and dogs are used to a changing environment depending on how they are maintained by their owner.

Most animals don't panic over sudden darkness however outdoor pets especially dogs could experience a level of confusion trying to figure out what's happening and may walk around a lot and become agitated. Giving your pet a treat could calm them down during the eclipse and give them a sense of security with their owner.

Eclipse Soundscapes Project is encouraging people to help collect the sights and sounds of the eclipse on their website