13 Ways Animals Can Sense Disasters Before They Happen

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Animals

By Trista - October 12, 2025

Throughout history, humans have observed animals exhibiting unusual behaviors prior to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and storms. These instances suggest that certain species possess heightened senses, enabling them to detect subtle environmental changes that precede catastrophic events. Scientific curiosity has been piqued by these phenomena, leading to studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind such behaviors. While the exact processes remain under investigation, the consistent patterns observed across various species highlight the potential of animals as early indicators of impending natural disasters. (usgs.gov)

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1. Dogs Sensing Earthquakes

13 Ways Animals Can Sense Disasters Before They Happen — Source: Pexels

Dogs have been observed exhibiting unusual behaviors—such as increased agitation, excessive barking, or attempts to escape—prior to earthquakes. A 2011 study by the American Kennel Club analyzed numerous eyewitness reports, noting that many dogs displayed anxious behaviors minutes to hours before seismic events. Researchers suggest that dogs may detect subtle environmental changes, like high-frequency seismic waves or atmospheric shifts, that precede earthquakes. However, while these observations are compelling, conclusive scientific evidence confirming dogs’ ability to predict earthquakes remains limited. (akc.org)

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2. Elephants Noticing Tsunamis

In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, reports emerged of elephants fleeing to higher ground before the waves struck. Eyewitnesses observed elephants in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park running away from the coast approximately an hour before the tsunami hit. Experts suggest that elephants’ acute senses, particularly their ability to detect low-frequency sounds and vibrations, may enable them to sense seismic activities or disturbances in the water that precede such disasters. (nationalgeographic.com)

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3. Cats Responding to Earthquake Vibrations

Reports have indicated that cats may exhibit restlessness, hiding, or fleeing behaviors prior to seismic events. While the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) discusses feline behavior in various contexts, it does not specifically address cats’ responses to earthquakes. However, general feline behavior studies suggest that cats are sensitive to environmental changes, and such behaviors could be indicative of their response to impending seismic activity. (aaha.org)

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4. Birds Abandoning Areas Before Storms

Birds are known to respond to changes in barometric pressure, often migrating or vacating breeding areas ahead of severe weather. A 2014 study in *Current Biology* observed that golden-winged warblers departed their breeding grounds earlier than usual before tornadoes, suggesting they may sense atmospheric changes associated with these storms. This behavior underscores the potential of birds to detect and react to impending severe weather events. (cell.com)

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5. Sharks Sensing Hurricanes

Sharks possess specialized sensory organs called lateral lines, which allow them to detect subtle changes in water pressure and vibrations. This heightened sensitivity enables them to sense approaching hurricanes and migrate to deeper, calmer waters before the storms arrive. While specific studies on this behavior are limited, observations suggest that sharks’ acute environmental awareness helps them avoid the disruptive effects of severe weather events. (nytimes.com)

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6. Toads Leaving Ponds Before Quakes

Research indicates that European common toads (Bufo bufo) exhibit altered behavior prior to seismic events. A study published in the *Journal of Zoology* observed that toads abandoned their breeding ponds five days before an earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy, in April 2009. This behavior coincided with pre-seismic perturbations in the ionosphere, detected by very low frequency (VLF) radio sounding. The study suggests that toads may respond to environmental changes associated with impending earthquakes. (zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

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7. Horses Acting Skittish Pre-Storm

Anecdotal evidence suggests that horses may become restless and anxious before storms. For instance, a 16-year-old Thoroughbred named Dorado exhibited increased anxiety, ignoring food and pacing, as a storm approached. Similarly, an Appaloosa named Taz displayed unusual behavior, including jiggling, bucking, and rearing, prior to a storm. These observations indicate that horses might sense and react to impending weather changes. (thehorse.com)

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8. Ants Changing Nesting Patterns Before Rain

Ants are known to adjust their nesting behaviors in response to environmental cues, such as changes in humidity levels. A study published in the *Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences* observed that harvester ant colonies modify their foraging activity based on relative humidity, which can be influenced by impending rainfall. This suggests that ants may alter their nest-building and foraging behaviors to mitigate the effects of increased moisture. (royalsocietypublishing.org)

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9. Fish Jumping En Masse Before Earthquakes

Reports have documented instances where fish exhibit unusual behaviors, such as jumping or erratic movements, prior to earthquakes. For example, during the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in China, fish were observed leaping out of their tanks before the seismic event occurred. This behavior suggests that fish may be sensitive to seismic vibrations or other environmental changes associated with impending earthquakes. (seismosoc.org)

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10. Bees Leaving Their Hives Before Disastrous Events

Instances have been documented where bees abandon their hives prior to major earthquakes and storms, potentially due to sensitivity to atmospheric changes. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China, reports indicated that bees left their hives days before the seismic event. Similarly, in 2011, beekeepers in Japan observed unusual bee behavior before the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. These occurrences suggest that bees may detect subtle environmental cues associated with impending natural disasters. (bbc.com)

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11. Mice and Rats Fleeing Buildings Pre-Disaster

Reports have documented instances where rodents, such as mice and rats, abandon structures before severe events like earthquakes and floods. For example, during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, New York City’s rats were driven from flooded subway tunnels, seeking refuge above ground. This behavior suggests that rodents may possess heightened sensory perception, enabling them to detect environmental changes associated with impending disasters. (nationalgeographic.com)

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12. Bats Altering Flight Patterns Before Storms

Bats have been observed modifying their flight and foraging behaviors prior to severe weather events, potentially utilizing echolocation and atmospheric cues. A study published in *Science* found that noctule bats in Europe adjusted their migration patterns in response to warm fronts preceding storms, suggesting they may sense atmospheric changes associated with impending weather. (smithsonianmag.com)

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13. Snakes Emerging From Hiding Before Earthquakes

In China, particularly during the 1975 Haicheng earthquake, snakes were observed leaving their burrows in midwinter, a period typically associated with hibernation. This behavior was noted days before the seismic event, suggesting that snakes may detect subtle ground vibrations or other environmental changes preceding earthquakes. Such instances have led to the development of snake-based earthquake detection systems, where snake behavior is monitored to predict seismic activity. (chinadaily.com.cn)

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Conclusion

The remarkable behaviors exhibited by animals before natural disasters underscore their acute sensitivity to environmental changes. While scientific research continues to explore the mechanisms behind these responses, understanding animal behavior offers valuable insights that could enhance disaster preparedness and early warning systems. By integrating observations of animal activities with technological advancements, we can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on both human and animal populations. (bbc.co.uk)

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