Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Pets' wild behavior may predict earthquakes
By Michelle Willey / Hi-Desert Star
MORONGO BASIN - Can animals really predict an earthquake? According to animal disaster behavior expert Diana Guerrero, they can give signs one is coming.
Guerrero said it appeared that animals in the area of where the tsunami hit in Asia last week left the location before the tidal wave and earthquake struck.
"Behavioral changes are common in both wild and domestic animals prior to seismic activity, but they are difficult to quantify scientifically," said Guerrero.
"It seems to be more common in rural and wild animals," Guerrero added.
"The more desensitized or exposed the animal is to various conditions and noises, the less the animal seems to react."
There are some signs Guerrero has seen in domestic and wild animals.
Although behavioral changes can occur for a variety of other reasons, these are clues that a disaster could be on its way, she said.
Guerrero remembered three days before the Landers quake, coyotes showed up in barns and cats were hiding.
If an earthquake is on the way, Guerrero said cats may become jumpy. Look for your cat to hide, run around frantically trying to escape to the outside, hang on screens and meow. Other symptoms cats may show include becoming aggressive, pacing or hissing.
Dogs usually don't hide at a sense of an earthquake, said Guerrero, but they may exhibit behavior such as howling, whining, barking, restlessness, aggression or increased devotion to owners.
Dogs can also give signs such as becoming more protective, aggressive or fearful.
If an earthquake is near, horses and livestock will sometimes refuse to enter their barns or pens, and they tend to group together in open areas, she claimed. They also can act nervous or pace.
You may see your caged bird hanging on its cage, flapping frantically or being abnormally quiet before an earthquake happens, she added.
As for wild animals, you may notice the ones that usually try to avoid human contact are coming close to people, and sometimes entering dwellings.
Another sign is fishing in the local area improves and wild birds become quiet and are not visible, she declared.
"The rule of thumb is to watch for any behavior that is abnormal for your animal," said Guerrero.
Guerrero said it appeared that animals in the area of where the tsunami hit in Asia last week left the location before the tidal wave and earthquake struck.
"Behavioral changes are common in both wild and domestic animals prior to seismic activity, but they are difficult to quantify scientifically," said Guerrero.
"It seems to be more common in rural and wild animals," Guerrero added.
"The more desensitized or exposed the animal is to various conditions and noises, the less the animal seems to react."
There are some signs Guerrero has seen in domestic and wild animals.
Although behavioral changes can occur for a variety of other reasons, these are clues that a disaster could be on its way, she said.
Guerrero remembered three days before the Landers quake, coyotes showed up in barns and cats were hiding.
If an earthquake is on the way, Guerrero said cats may become jumpy. Look for your cat to hide, run around frantically trying to escape to the outside, hang on screens and meow. Other symptoms cats may show include becoming aggressive, pacing or hissing.
Dogs usually don't hide at a sense of an earthquake, said Guerrero, but they may exhibit behavior such as howling, whining, barking, restlessness, aggression or increased devotion to owners.
Dogs can also give signs such as becoming more protective, aggressive or fearful.
If an earthquake is near, horses and livestock will sometimes refuse to enter their barns or pens, and they tend to group together in open areas, she claimed. They also can act nervous or pace.
You may see your caged bird hanging on its cage, flapping frantically or being abnormally quiet before an earthquake happens, she added.
As for wild animals, you may notice the ones that usually try to avoid human contact are coming close to people, and sometimes entering dwellings.
Another sign is fishing in the local area improves and wild birds become quiet and are not visible, she declared.
"The rule of thumb is to watch for any behavior that is abnormal for your animal," said Guerrero.
 |
 |
|
| How unfortunate | It's rec leader's job to play with kids |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of hidesertstar.com.
You must register with a valid email to gain access to this site feature.
Already a Member?Login Here:
|
Become a Registered MemberFill out the form below.
|
RSS