There has long been speculation about whether animals are able to anticipate earthquakes. Thanks to their natural sensitivity or the perception of signals imperceptible to humans. From historical accounts to recent scientific studies, the subject has sparked the curiosity of researchers and those who live in areas prone to seismic movements.
Stories of animals behaving strangely before an earthquake are abundant. and date back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and China. However, the question of whether they can actually predict these disasters continues to generate debate and is the subject of research around the world.
What types of behaviors have been observed?
Unusual behavior has been recorded in numerous animals before significant earthquakes.: from persistently barking dogs and restless cats, to birds abandoning their nests and snakes emerging from their burrows for no apparent reason. These animal warnings have been taken into account in some cases, even leading to important decisions in emergency management.
A famous case took place in Haicheng, China, in 1975, when, following a series of reports of strange animal activity and geological changes, authorities ordered the evacuation of the city hours before a powerful earthquake. Although the prediction was also based on scientific evidence, Animal behavior was a crucial part of decision-making.
What explanations does science give?
Scientists have proposed several hypotheses to explain these behaviors. One of them is the possible perception of primary seismic waves (P waves), which propagate faster than the destructive S waves but are undetectable to humans. Animals with more developed senses could pick up these signals and react before the earthquake.
Other theories point to the fact that Some species can detect changes in the electromagnetic field or the presence of gases such as radon, released before an earthquake.. In addition, the hearing capacity of certain animals would allow them to detect high-frequency sounds or microvibrations that precede earthquakes.
There are no verifiable, repeatable patterns of animal behavior. that allow for the establishment of a reliable early warning system based solely on animal observation. Some research has suggested that Animals can be affected by the emotional environment of their owners, confusing the reaction to human anxiety with the reaction to the earthquake.
Recent studies: Can pets be allies in early detection?
Numerous studies have focused on domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. Experiments have been carried out in different parts of the world equipping animals with sensors to monitor their activity.For example, in Italy, the reactions of cows, sheep, and dogs were analyzed, noting an increase in activity before minor tremors. In Japan, anomalous electrical discharges were observed in fish before major earthquakes.
Despite these results, Scientists warn that no direct and consistent relationship has been found between changes in animal behavior and the arrival of an earthquake.Confirmation bias can affect testimonies, as owners often remember unusual behavior only when an earthquake occurs, but not at other times.
In studies conducted after major earthquakes, such as the Kobe earthquake in Japan or seismic areas in Taiwan, more than half of pet owners reported noticing strange reactions in their animals. However, These data have not allowed the development of reliable predictive methods.
What role can animals play in prevention?
Science keeps the door open to certain species pick up precursor signals still unknown to current technology. However, There is not enough evidence to replace official seismic systems through animal observation, although they can serve as a complementary tool for early detection alongside geological monitoring systems and advanced sensor networks, which remain the most reliable tools.
As animal behavior monitoring and tracking technology improves, Scientists continue to explore whether, in the future, animals could contribute additional information in seismic risk situations.However, the recommendations for those living in affected areas remain to rely on emergency protocols and official alert systems.
The debate over animals' ability to anticipate earthquakes continues. The coincidence of strange behaviors with the arrival of seismic movements continues to generate interest., but science has not been able to systematically confirm that animals are reliable as exclusive indicators. Curiosity about this link persists, and with the help of new technologies, it is hoped that in the future the mysteries surrounding these natural phenomena and their relationship with the animal kingdom may be clarified.