By Marilyn Levand, Wildlife Education Manager
How animals respond to a solar eclipse depends on many factors, including their intelligence and what time of day they are most active; diurnal (daytime), nocturnal (nighttime) or crepuscular (dawn and dusk). Intelligent animals such as llamas, dolphins and chimpanzees have all been observed reacting to the eclipse by looking at the sun as it darkens.
Diurnal animals may be more active at the start of the eclipse but once it hits totality, they become silent and respond as though it has become night.
Animals such as domestic chickens and cows head for the barn as it becomes dark, but once totality has ended, they emerge and continue their days.
Animals that are crepuscular become active as the sky darkens, actively grooming and starting to forage. Once totality occurs, they begin their evening routines preparing for bed.
Nocturnal animals emerge from their dens as the sky darkens and begin their evening forage. Owls and bats begin their nighttime flight and even call out. Migratory birds get restless as many of them fly during the night.
Pets also notice that there is a change in light and temperature, but they are likely to pick up on how their owners react to the eclipse and mirror them.
Join us at Farmpark for a FREE day filled with excitement leading up to the Total Solar Eclipse. Hands-on experiments, interactive activities, music, planetarium shows and more will build your anticipation. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided for guests in attendance while supplies last. Parking is limited. Click here for more information.