WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — Animal experts say our furry friends out in the wild will likely respond to the changes taking place in the sky during the eclipse on April 8.
Animal sleep patterns are governed by where the sun is in the sky; on the day of the eclipse, when the moon moves in front of the sun and the sky darkens, we could see changes in their behavior.
Natures Nursery's Executive Director Allison Aey said animal sleep patterns could be interrupted, causing noticeable changes in their behavior. She said the interested public should look for animal behaviors and their distinguishable qualities during the days leading up to the eclipse and the days after.
Aey said she believes the changes will be minor because the time frame of the eclipse is not very long, so observing now will ensure you catch the differences.
"Here in this region, it's all new to us," she said. "We are really excited to observe it. So, one of the cool things that people can do is get outside in the next six days and observe wildlife during that time of the day."
"See what they are doing, see what sounds they are making, see what their activity level is and then kind of compare that during the eclipse to what you are seeing and hearing during that time," said Aey.
Aye said look for bugs and frogs as they may be chirping louder and animals that normally become active at night that may wake up just to peak outside their resting places.
"I don't expect animals that are nocturnal to come completely out of their sleep pattern in that short time frame, but you may see them wake up earlier that day or the day after the eclipse as they kind of got out of rhythm with the day light and nighttime," Aey said.
These critters could include bats, possums and migrating birds.
"The birds are going to be the biggest impacted animals. They are the most active right now as it's becoming bird season, and they are starting to migrate through this area. So those will be the most interesting to really observe before during and after," Aey said.
Large gatherings could drown out the sounds of nature, so if you are interested in the changes in the animal kingdom you are advised to experience the eclipse from remote spaces in the wild.
The animal expert said wildlife will be more impacted than domestic animals.
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